News Summary
The historic Tuskegee News has been acquired by Tuskegee Media LLC, under the Macon County Economic Development Authority, to ensure access to local journalism. Following the retirement of long-time owners, the acquisition aims to preserve the newspaper’s legacy while promoting community engagement and economic growth. Plans include a digital version and social media channels to enhance outreach and adapt to changing media landscapes. This initiative is a response to the widespread trend of news deserts in the U.S., highlighting the importance of local reporting in fostering community identity.
Macon County, Alabama
The Tuskegee News, a historic weekly newspaper that has operated for 160 years, has been acquired by the newly formed Tuskegee Media LLC, which falls under the ownership of the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA). This acquisition aims to address the pressing concern of maintaining access to credible local news in a community that could otherwise fall into a “news desert.”
The Tuskegee News serves as the paper of record for Macon County and has played a significant role in documenting local events and issues over its long history. With the retirement of Gayle Davis, who owned the paper for 42 years, and the departure of publisher and editor Guy Rhodes after 32 years, the acquisition became necessary as no private buyers showed interest in continuing its operations.
Joe Turnham, a contributor to the Tuskegee News and the current director of the MCEDA, spearheaded the acquisition efforts. He emphasized that the goal extends beyond simply preserving the newspaper; it is about ensuring the community maintains a strong voice and promoting continued economic development. The acquisition is notable as it is believed to be the first instance in Alabama, and possibly in the United States, of an economic development agency purchasing a newspaper.
The purchase included both the newspaper and its physical building, which was financed through a real estate loan. In addition to maintaining the newspaper’s traditional print format, the MCEDA has plans to introduce a fully digital version and establish social media channels within the first 100 days following the acquisition. This strategy is expected to enhance the newspaper’s outreach and engagement with the community.
Michael Floyd, a journalism graduate from Auburn University, has been appointed to oversee the newspaper’s operations moving forward. His role will be vital in adapting the paper to the evolving media landscape while ensuring it continues to serve the local community effectively.
Community members have expressed gratitude for the preservation of the Tuskegee News, recognizing its importance in fostering a sense of identity and connection among residents. Local authors, such as Guy Trammell, who contributes a column to the paper, have highlighted the need for local journalism to cover significant community issues.
This acquisition comes amidst a broader trend where over 50% of U.S. counties are classified as news deserts, which indicates a severe shortage of local news coverage. The move to secure the Tuskegee News has garnered praise from various Alabama commerce officials, who acknowledge the crucial role that local news plays in supporting economic growth and community cohesion.
In response to the acquisition announcement, subscriptions to the Tuskegee News have reportedly begun to rise, indicating renewed community interest and support for the publication. The MCEDA has committed to ensuring the continuity of the newspaper as part of its investment in local community welfare and economic progress.
The Tuskegee News has faced numerous challenges throughout its 160-year history, including threats during the Civil War, yet it has continually adapted to serve its community. The MCEDA’s recent initiative to acquire the newspaper represents a proactive step towards safeguarding the important role that local journalism plays in Macon County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Montgomery Advertiser: Tuskegee News Acquisition
- Made in Alabama: Macon County EDA Rescues Newspaper
- AL.com: Bold Decision Saves Historic Newspaper
- 1819 News: Tuskegee News Will Publish Again
- Yellowhammer News: Economic Growth in Macon County
- Wikipedia: Tuskegee
- Google Search: Tuskegee News
- Google Scholar: Tuskegee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuskegee
- Google News: Tuskegee
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