As one of Public Source’s founding board members, Maggie Jones Patterson served with us for a full decade, offering her time, expertise and thoughtfulness in every setting. She brought a presence that was calm yet unmistakably strong. That combination made her an essential partner as we shaped our approach to ethics, coverage and the kind of journalism we want to provide to the Pittsburgh region.
Maggie passed away on Monday, Nov. 10. We share this with deep sadness and deep gratitude for all she brought to Public Source.
Maggie began her career as a reporter at the Pittsburgh Press and spent 42 years teaching journalism at Duquesne University. She co-authored books exploring journalism ethics, crime reporting and political coverage. She taught courses in investigative reporting, media ethics, storytelling and more, and she guided student publications with care and intention.
Maggie also connected Public Source to her Duquesne community — inviting us into conversations with students and faculty and recognizing what both sides gain from that kind of exchange. She moved naturally between the rigorous demands of reporting and the human side of mentorship and support. That balance influenced our newsroom in ways that will continue to matter.
This year, she retired from Duquesne, and she was honored with the Service to Journalism Award at the Golden Quills, a meaningful recognition of her impact on the field.
Public Source Board President Ted Anthony recalled her as an exceptionally sharp journalist, someone whose insight elevated every conversation.
“Her combination of deep caring and not suffering fools is something I aspire to and will always remember,” said Anthony, the global director of new storytelling and newsroom innovation for The Associated Press. “Public Source is a better and stronger organization because of her journalism chops and her fierce intelligence.”
Public Source’s founding editor Sharon Walsh noted that Maggie’s roots in Pittsburgh fueled her deep belief in local journalism and its value to readers.
“Her advice as an ethics expert was especially valuable to me personally as Public Source’s first editor, and she gave it with kindness and humility,” Walsh said. “Journalists at Public Source and her students at Duquesne are forever indebted to her and will miss her so much.”
Former Public Source executive director Mila Sanina reflected on the many ways Maggie supported others in the field:
“Maggie showed up for people, especially female journalists. She supported us wholeheartedly and meaningfully, not just in words… She was such a role model for young journalists. Even after she retired from Duquesne, she continued and sought new ways to support Pittsburgh journalism. It’s such a deep loss for the community.”
We’re grateful for her decade of service, her guidance and her belief in what local journalism can be.
Thank you, Maggie.
