#126, OTOH, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette owner & publisher Eliza Hussman Gaines, Part 2, Sept 11 2025

In part 2 of our conversation with publisher Eliza Hussman Gaines, April and Glen explore the Democrat-Gazette's efforts to adapt to digital platforms and reach younger audiences through social media and video content. Eliza explains the paper’s "readers first" approach, editorial rules to avoid loaded language, and the importance of the Freedom of Information law in Arkansas for community transparency. Eliza discusses the challenges faced by local news organizations in Arkansas, including the decline of newspapers in rural areas, highlighting the importance of collaboration between news outlets to reach underserved audiences and the role of organizations like the Knight Foundation in supporting local journalism. She also discusses the business challenges facing local journalism, strategies to reach new audiences, reporter safety, news deserts, and the need for media literacy and collaboration to rebuild trust. In addressing the increasing mistrust people have in media sources, Eliza advises government officials to support and trust media rather than demonizing it. She expresses optimism about community engagement and the potential for change, while acknowledging the difficulties posed by low trust in media and restricted press access. Creative options for collaborating with other media sources is seen as a potential means for maintaining a viable, quality source of news for the public.