Frank Macintyre

Publisher & Editor

The Dundalk Herald

Born into a newspaper family, Frank Macintyre grew up in the world of printing and community reporting. His father, J.R. Macintyre, had owned The Dundalk Herald since 1903, and the newspaper office was central to family life. Frank absorbed the rhythms of the business from childhood, developing a deep affection for the work that would later define his life.

In 1933, Frank became publisher of The Dundalk Herald. Though still young, he stepped naturally into the role, bringing energy, curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility to the community. His passion was not limited to ownership; he loved the work of editing most of all. He wrote editorials, reported stories, took photographs, operated linotype machines and even helped with job printing. His hands-on approach earned him a reputation as an “all around livewire weekly publisher.”

Frank’s leadership extended beyond Dundalk. In 1940–41, he served as president of the OCNA, then known as the Ontario Quebec Division of the Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association. His presidency coincided with the first-ever National Newspaper Week in 1940. Under his direction, Dundalk embraced the event with enthusiasm. Frank also served four years on the national newspaper association board. One of his most memorable experiences was hearing Sir Winston Churchill deliver an address to the House of Commons in Ottawa.

Under Frank’s leadership, The Dundalk Herald flourished. Circulation doubled to 2,361 despite Dundalk’s population being only 900. Frank also filed stories regularly to the Canadian Press and served as the Dundalk correspondent for The Owen Sound Sun Times for more than 40 years, ensuring the region’s news reached a broader audience.

Frank’s reporting style was rooted in deep community involvement. He was known for carrying a small notebook everywhere, at meetings, church services, community events and even casual encounters on the street. He attended Dundalk Band practices (held at The Herald office), Service Club meetings, fair board gatherings and countless local events, always taking notes. Soldiers overseas would write back to the paper, often beginning with personal greetings like “Well, Frank, it was a sight to see…”. His commitment to strengthening community journalism was widely recognized.

Frank was also active in civic life. He served on Dundalk Council, was a founding chair of the Dundalk Historical Society and was a dedicated member of the Dundalk Lawn Bowling Club — whose clubhouse now bears his name. He and this wife Marion, along with their daughter Margaret, were deeply involved in the annual events and traditions that shaped rural community life.

In December 1967, Frank sold The Dundalk Herald to a new publisher, but continued as editor. Those who worked with him during this period remembered his nightly presence in the office, his mentorship and his unwavering passion for the craft. At the time of the sale, the paper had 30 rural correspondents, a testament to the network he had built.

Frank remained a respected figure in Dundalk. In 1972, he was named Man of the Year, an honour that reflected his decades of service to journalism and the community. Looking back on his career, he said he felt fortunate to have found a profession that fascinated him from the beginning. “I would do it again if I had my life to live over,” he said — a simple statement that captured the depth of his devotion. Frank passed away in 1983 after submitting his last copy that week.

This is why the Ontario Community Newspapers Association is thrilled to announce Frank Macintyre as an inductee of the OCNA Hall of Fame.

The OCNA Hall of Fame Award recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities, and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow.