Former Bridge editor David Zeman selected to Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame
Former Bridge Michigan senior editor David Zeman, who led the publication through a decade of growth and accolades, has been selected to the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, the group announced Wednesday.
Zeman, 66, retired in February 2024. He joined Bridge in 2013, two years after its launch, helping grow what was then Bridge Magazine from a twice-weekly publication into a daily publication that has won hundreds of journalism awards.
“I’m immensely grateful for this honor, which is truly a testament to the tremendous peers I’ve had the pleasure of working with through these years,” said Zeman. “I am fortunate to have been able to do this important work for so long.”
Zeman is among 11 journalists selected to the Hall of Fame this year, including Cindy Goodaker, a board member for Bridge’s nonprofit publisher, the Center for Michigan. She is former executive editor of Crain’s Detroit Business.
John Bebow, the former chief executive officer of the Center for Michigan, was selected to the Hall of Fame last year, while founder Phil Power was inducted in 2012.
Zeman came to Bridge following a career as a reporter and editor, mostly at the Detroit Free Press, where he won numerous state and national awards for watchdog reporting.
As an assistant managing editor of investigations, he directed the Free Press’ investigation of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, which led to Kilpatrick’s resignation and won the Pulitzer Prize.
“David thrived when the newsroom was working at its hardest,” Katy Locker, chief executive officer of the Center for Michigan, said. “At all times, he supported the reporters and he ensured the highest quality journalism.”
Zeman and Goodaker will be honored at ceremonies April 13 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing along with:
- Cynthia Canty, former host of “Stateside” on Michigan Public
- Alex Cruden, a former Free Press editor
- Kirt Dozier, a former Free Press photographer
- John Flesher, a longtime environmental reporter
- Daymon J. Hartley, a former Free Press photojournalist
- Dorothy Jurney, former women’s page editor of the Free Press
- Keith Owens, a columnist and editor at the Michigan Chronicle, Free Press and other publications
- Pat Rencher, an advocate for older readers’ health
- Jam Sardar, a longtime news director at WLNS-TV
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!