Ray Routhier

Press Herald

Ray Routhier writes about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues. In more than 23 years at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, he has been continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. The word he uses most for stories he’s drawn to is “quirky.” He’s written about the changing cable TV and Internet landscapes, and what those changes mean for the future of information and entertainment. He’s dug clams, raked blueberries and rode on the back of a garbage truck, all in pursuit of stories about real Mainers. He’s had a ball interviewing a range of celebrities from Anna Kendrick and Patrick Dempsey to Billy Joel and Tony Bennett. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, N.H., he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two daughters.

Latest

Published
June 16, 2016

WGAN co-host Mike Violette leaves Portland station after more than 12 years

Station officials aren’t saying yet who might replace him, but an announcement about the station’s new morning line-up will be made on-air at 5 p.m. Friday.
Published
June 5, 2016

Katy Perry’s moving to Maine?! No, actually. Fake news strikes again

‘Fantasy’ news sites are part of the internet landscape, making money by circulating false stories that entice readers while making it harder to tell fact from fiction.
Published
May 27, 2016

Chronicler of war stories from Boothbay-area veterans to release books, host party

After thousands of interviews, Sarah Sherman McGrail self-publishes a two-volume set honoring those who served in Korea and Vietnam. And this Memorial Day weekend, she’ll welcome them home with a USO-style party.
Published
May 20, 2016

MPBN adds Portland station to its new classical music network

The new station will be heard on 104.1 FM and should be operating by Wednesday.
Published
April 20, 2016

MPBN to launch separate classical music radio service in May

The new Maine Public Classical service is aimed at satisfying both niche listeners and those who want more news and information on Maine Public Radio.
Published
April 14, 2016

Meteorologist Joe Cupo retiring from WCSH after 37 years

Cupo, who came to Channel 6 in 1979, is one of Maine’s best-known TV weathercasters.
Published
April 12, 2016

Student in pro-Trump hat sets off taunting, dialogue at South Portland High

Sophomore Connor Mullen expected classmates to hassle him, but when staff members joined in he decided to defend his free-speech rights.
Published
April 8, 2016

Maine College of Art, Salt Institute may announce merger next week

After more than eight months of discussions, the plan may become a reality Tuesday with the announcement of a union of ‘two of Maine’s landmark educational institutions.’
Published
April 6, 2016

New Sharon native Devin Ferreira encourages Boston Marathon runners with original song, ‘Unstoppable’

Boston TV station WBZ is using the song to promote its coverage of the race.
Published
March 24, 2016

Rick Pinette of Maine-based rock band Oak dies at 63

The band’s biggest hit, ‘King of the Hill,, reached 36 on the Billboard singles chart in 1980.