Mike Smith Inducted into Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame
The longtime editorial cartoonist became the first of his profession to join the Nevada Hall of Fame.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
The Nevada Press Foundation has honored Mike Smith, a legendary editorial cartoonist, with an induction into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame. Smith joined fellow inductees Ron Kantowski, Mary Hynes, and Howard Stutz during a ceremony held at the Springs Preserve.
Why it matters
Smith's induction marks a significant milestone as he is the first editorial cartoonist ever to receive this recognition. His decades of work have utilized satire and caricature to engage readers across the nation, cementing his legacy in the field of journalism.
Throughout his career, Mike Smith has produced approximately 14,000 editorial cartoons, with his work syndicated to more than 250 newspapers. In 2021, he and Brian Greenspun donated over 13,000 of his original pieces to the UNLV Libraries.
The players
Mike Smith
He is a veteran editorial cartoonist who has spent decades providing commentary for the Las Vegas Sun and national outlets.
Nevada Press Foundation
This organization serves as the primary governing body that manages the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame.
Brian Greenspun
He is a prominent media executive who partnered with Smith to archive a massive collection of editorial cartoons.
The details
Since joining the Las Vegas Sun in 1983, Smith has relied on satire and exaggeration to comment on the news. His professional impact spans from a weekly USA Today slot held for over 20 years to his archives being housed within the Southern Nevada library system.
Timeline
Mike Smith joined the Las Vegas Sun staff in 1983.
A cartoon by Smith was requested by Judge Lance Ito in the mid-1990s.
Smith donated his life's work to UNLV in 2021.
Mike Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame on September 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
This induction highlights the institutional recognition of editorial cartooning as a core component of journalistic history. It mirrors the broader trend of preserving physical media archives within university special collections to ensure the longevity of regional cultural records.
Local readers can view Smith's historical contributions firsthand by accessing the UNLV Libraries special collections. The recognition of this work ensures that regional editorial perspectives remain preserved for future public education and research.
The takeaway
Smith's career demonstrates how consistent, satirical commentary can shape public discourse over several decades. His transition from an $8-per-cartoon salary to a Hall of Fame inductee highlights the potential for sustained growth in specialized media careers.
Further reading
Learn more about the local professional landscape in Las Vegas Nursing Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Las Vegas Sun.
