Arkansas Democrat-Gazette parent names Gaines publisher

WEHCO Media Inc., the parent company of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, has appointed executive editor Eliza Hussman Gaines to the post of publisher. Gaines begins on Jan. 1.

With Gaines’ appointment, the leadership of the paper will remain in the family hands.

Outgoing publisher Walter Hussman Jr., Gaines’ father, made the announcement Tuesday afternoon. “Hopefully the things that distinguish us as a family business will continue for many years after I’m gone,” Hussman, who will retain the title of chairman of WEHCO Media said.

Previously, Gaines served as managing editor and is the first woman to lead the newsroom and the first to oversee WEHCO Media’s daily operations.

Gaines said:

“We’re a subscription-driven business and our future depends on the readers. This is the time to take bold action, to try new things and to learn more about or readers so we can match their wants and needs.

“Our nation is losing newspapers at a rapid pace, and I can’t let that happen here and in our other markets. We know that cities without a newspaper have more crime, higher taxes and less government transparency. I don’t want that for our communities. Our industry faces challenges but I’m confident in our future.”

You can congratulate Gaines on Twitter.

Read more here.