COMMENTARY: Transitions Create Opportunities

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Almost 12 years ago, the thenpublisher of the Northwest Arkansas Times, Jeff Jeffus, approached me about becoming editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times.

I had worked as a reporter and editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in the region for several years, having moved back to Arkansas from a four-year stint in (gasp) Texas. Within six months of my move to this corner of the state, I remember telling friends that I thought I’d found the place I could live for the rest of my life.

In 2001, I took a leap of faith and accepted the role of editor at Fayetteville’s newspaper. It’s a move I’ve never regretted. In addition to learning a great deal from the movers and shakers of the area, I’ve had the great privilege of working with outstanding people in the newsroom who have provided the proverbial “first draft” of local history through their journalism.

A lot has changed in the world since I took on that role. Businesses throughout Northwest Arkansas have gone through a lot of transformations, and thenewspaper businesses haven’t been immune. Over the last fi ve years especially, economic conditions have required mergers, reorganizations and, sadly, layofts of good people.

People who’ve never liked the concept of newspapers or who have a vested interest in seeing local newspapers fail often jump at such developments as an opportunity to draft one more paragraph of newspapers’ obituary. But don’t let them kid you: It’s tough out there no matter what media you’re dealing with.

I believe in the service provided by newspapers, particularly the local variety. The whole print vs. web debate is a red herring to me. People who want to be informed will always create a demand for the delivery of news in a way that’s far deeper than any televisionor radio newscast or blog will ever accomplish.

Does that mean newspapers will be here forever? I don’t know, and I’m not convinced that’s the most important question.

Newspapers, although challenged by economic conditions that have also aft ected other industries, are here today and I believe for the foreseeable future.

Many, many people still love getting their news in print.

But over the long term, the crucial question isn’t about the medium. It’s about finding ways to ensure that quality journalism doesn’t just survive, but thrives, and that its practitioners can make a living. As with other companies trying to navigate the turbulent times of this rocky economy, the newspapers of Northwest Arkansas have gone through some challenging reorganizations all with a goal of positioning the company for future success.

As a result of the latest, I am no longer editor of the Northwest Arkansas Times because I was given an opportunity to pursue a new challenge. As of last week, I’m the editorial page editor for the local daily newspapers of NWA Media.

Those local dailies include the Northwest Arkansas Times, the Benton County Daily Record, the Springdale Morning News and the Rogers Morning News.

As with my transition from the Democrat-Gazette in 2001 to the Times, this new position provides a new opportunity to serve the information needs of a region that has a great future ahead of it. I’m excited to take up the challenge.

I will miss being at the helm of the Northwest Arkansas Times’ newsroom, but it’s in great hands with outstanding reporters who are still devoted to covering Fayetteville and Washington County. I count my years there as among the best I can hope for in a career as a professional journalist.

Now, it’s on to developing commentary about the news events of the region.

Northwest Arkansas is a great place to be involved, and I encourage everyone to do just that in their communities.

And, yeah, every once in a while, write a letter to the editor.

GREG HARTON IS THE EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR OF NWA MEDIA.