At the annual meeting for Austin Area Research Organization, Taylor Press’s Area Editor Jason Hennington was a featured speaker at a panel discussion of news media executives about the challenges and opportunities present in a rapidly changing news environment.
Topics at the retreat included trends in the news field in and around Austin, how to keep up with the rapid growth of the area, how to work in an era of “bifurcated and multiple news sources,” among other topics.
“I am blessed and honored to have been asked
to have been a part of that,” Hennington said. “It shows just how much of an impact the Taylor Press is making, not just in our local community, but even for people outside of Williamson County who see and know what we are doing.” In addition to Hennington, other panel participants included representatives from TV news stations in the area as well as digital news providers.
Though the Taylor Press was the only newspaper represented on the panel, Hennington asserted at the panel discussion that he does not believe local print media is going away any time soon.
“We are using social media. We are using our web site. We are using digital media, but it all relates back to our core product, which is the newspaper,” Hennington said. “And that’s how we are evolving, but that’s also how we are keeping the newspaper alive.”
Hennington said that the local newspapers are still the product many turn to when they want to know indepth local news.
“Newspapers are not dying,” Hennington said. “And as a smaller market, or a smaller community like Taylor, we are covering everything that’s happening, with Samsung coming in and the rapid growth that’s happening in our area, the newspaper is staying on top of that.”
Though Hennington believes digital content may play a more prominent role at the Taylor Press in the future, print media will continue to serve an additional important function, he said.
“The newspaper is a historical document,” he said. “In 100 years, social media will look completely different from what it does now. You may not be able to find Facebook memories or breaking news stories from today online. But the print archive will still be preserved. My saying is, when you see something on national news, to get the truth, find that community’s local newspaper. I don’t think that will ever change.”
AARO Chair Sandy Dochen said Hennington shared a “unique and downto- earth perspective about the life of an editor in (what used to be) a small town.”
“You’re at the nexus of change, and it’ll be fascinating to watch how you and your colleagues keep up with the growth, both for your readers and for the institution of the Press,” Dochen said. “I’ve received great feedback on the entire panel and the issues you all brought up. You’re pulling off quite a juggling act logistically, while keeping your eyes on the prize of upholding the values of a free press.”
Hennington said he felt honored to be able to speak on behalf of the Press.
“The Taylor Press is, and always has been a staple in the Taylor community, and it will be moving forward, even with all of the change coming in and all of the growth,” Hennington said. “Being able to represent us in forums like this shows that the Taylor Press is a quality product.” “
The newspaper is a historical document. In 100 years, social media will look completely different from what it does now.”
- Jason Hennington, Taylor Press area editor
