In Monticello, Georgia, a town of 2,500 residents, the local newspaper, The Monticello News, is experiencing a resurgence. At 25 years old, Evan Newton, who interned at the paper just a few years ago, has purchased the 145-year-old weekly publication with a mission to revive the community's connection to print journalism. This initiative comes at a critical time for local newspapers across the United States, with an estimated 3,500 titles having disappeared in the first two decades of the 21st century, leading to the creation of numerous 'news deserts' where local news coverage is scarce.
Newton acquired The Monticello News from Kathy Mudd, who had owned it for 50 years and was looking to retire. He used his savings and financing to make the purchase, a move driven by a desire to keep the paper running in the face of digital media dominance. Newton now serves as owner, publisher, editor, and primary reporter, supported by two part-time staff and freelancers. "I wear a lot of hats," Newton told the Daily Mail. "But when it comes to small papers, you got to be able to wear a lot of hats."
The newspaper office itself, located on the town's main square, retains a classic feel with historical newspaper archives and resident cats, including one named Typo who is known for walking across keyboards. Newton, a graduate of Georgia College & State University, sees his role as crucial for preserving local identity and providing accessible, unbiased news that larger outlets may not cover.
Newton's strategy to combat declining readership involves using social media platforms like TikTok to engage younger audiences. He posts teasers for upcoming stories and recaps of previous editions, a tactic he says has already led to increased subscriptions. "We can use social media and the internet to grow our business instead of being the antithesis of it," he explained. He has even seen instances where social media engagement directly led to new print subscriptions from individuals who had not bought a newspaper in years.
Beyond digital outreach, Newton has redesigned the paper, changing its color scheme and expanding the sports section to include more high school coverage, which has been well-received by the community. A significant challenge remains the printing process, as the paper must be sent over 100 miles away to South Carolina due to the closure of local printing presses.
A critical revenue stream for The Monticello News, like many local papers, comes from publishing legal notices required by law. Newton expressed concern that any shift of these notices to digital-only formats could significantly harm local journalism. The paper's recent reporting on local developments, such as the upcoming arrival of a Domino's Pizza, has generated positive community feedback, with residents expressing a feeling that their local paper has truly returned.
Academics like Amanda Bright, a journalism instructor at the University of Georgia, acknowledge a growing sentiment among young journalists to pursue local news. "He’s definitely not alone in trying to do this, and I think that’s even more exciting," Bright said, emphasizing the importance of the next generation recognizing the value of local news for its sustainability. The decline of local journalism is stark: a Northwestern University study indicates the U.S. has lost one-third of its newspapers and two-thirds of its journalists since 2005, with an average of 2.5 newspapers closing each week in 2023. Newton hopes his efforts will inspire others to invest in and revive local news outlets nationwide. "If you have a dream, just go out and do it," he stated.
