News Summary
The historic Tuskegee News, a vital local newspaper in Alabama, continues its operations under new ownership from the Macon County Economic Development Authority. This move aims to prevent the community from becoming a ‘news desert,’ ensuring that local journalism persists and evolves with a digital presence. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for community-driven media, as subscription rates rise following the announcement.
Tuskegee, Alabama – The historic Tuskegee News, a weekly newspaper that has served the community for 160 years, will continue operations under new ownership after facing potential closure. The Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) has acquired the newspaper, a crucial local institution, to prevent Tuskegee from becoming a “news desert,” a term used to describe areas with limited or no access to reliable news sources.
The acquisition of the Tuskegee News marks a significant step for local journalism, as the paper is considered the official record for Macon County, offering vital local news, community events, and crucial information to its readers. Gayle Davis, who owned the newspaper for 42 years, and Publisher/Editor Guy Rhodes, who dedicated 32 years to guiding the paper, were both prepared to retire, leading to concerns about the future of the publication.
Prior to the MCEDA’s takeover, there were no private buyers interested in acquiring the Tuskegee News. This lack of interest put the paper’s longevity in jeopardy, prompting Joe Turnham, a long-time contributor to the newspaper and a director at MCEDA, to step in. Turnham recognized the importance of maintaining local journalism and initiated the purchase with the belief that this represents the first known instance of an economic development authority buying a newspaper in Alabama, and possibly across the United States.
The MCEDA’s plans for the newspaper include launching a digital version and enhancing its social media presence within the first 100 days of operation. This modernization effort aims to increase the paper’s reach and engagement, appealing to a broader audience while retaining its dedicated local readership, which currently has a circulation of approximately 3,800. Since the announcement of the new ownership, subscriptions to the Tuskegee News have begun to rise, reflecting the community’s support for the publication’s continuity.
The significance of the Tuskegee News transcends its pages. The paper has faced challenges throughout its history, including near closure during the Civil War when Union soldiers sought to shut it down. It has persevered since then, climbing back from those challenging times to remain a vital resource for residents in Macon County.
Local residents have expressed gratitude for the continuity of the newspaper, demonstrating how much they value having access to reliable local news. Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, remarked on the importance of the MCEDA’s decision for the region’s economic health, emphasizing that access to local news is essential for the community’s stability and growth.
In conclusion, the acquisition of the Tuskegee News by the MCEDA not only saves a beloved publication but also reinforces the value of local journalism in preserving the voices of communities. The commitment to modernize and expand the paper’s reach illustrates a forward-thinking approach to sustaining a critical information source in Tuskegee and ensuring that its community remains informed and engaged.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Montgomery Advertiser: Tuskegee News Saved
- Made in Alabama: Macon County EDA Rescues Newspaper
- AL.com: 160-Year-Old Newspaper Saved
- Wikipedia: Tuskegee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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