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SPJ, other journalist groups asks Congress to improve media access
Guest Column:
It’s time Americans stepped up and learned about the First Amendment by Judy Patrick
Ar k ansas
ARKANSAS
Publisher Weekly
PRESS ASSOCIATION
Vol. 14 | No. 45 | Thursday, November 7, 2019
Serving Press and State Since 1873
Civic-minded newspaper publisher balances roles When it comes to civic engagement, Beebe News owner Lee McLane has her community covered.
In addition to being the newspaper’s editor and publisher, McLane serves on the Beebe City Council. She was elected in 2016 after she decided that as a local leader she could take a more active role in decision-making at the municipal level. Besides, she was already at the meetings anyway, she quipped. “I feel connected to this community, and I wanted to have some influence over the way things happen,” McLane said in an interview earlier this week. McLane has owned the Beebe News since 1990, when she purchased the newspaper from her parents, Robert and Naomi Kemp. Robert Kemp, a former news director for a Little Rock television station, acquired the newspaper in 1967.
Lee McLane
McLane, who earned a graduate degree in international business, said she recognizes “I’m not your typical editor
and publisher” but the newspaper was a passion for her father and she was glad to continue family ownership. She is invested in the community, she said, as evidenced by her activity on the city council. While some Beebe residents initially questioned her impartiality – as editor, McLane covers city news while serving as a council member – she said she was proud that she’s had hardly any complaints about her municipal government coverage in nearly four years as an elected city leader. “I’ve not had anybody call foul on me for anything I’ve written or not written since I’ve been in office, so I’m happy about that,” she said. “I’ve not had anybody say I’ve been unfair.” McLane said she understands why some people may look askew at her dual commitments to the newspaper and to
Mena mayor inks proclamation for National Newspaper Week The mayor of Mena last month participated in a proclamation signing ceremony recognizing Oct. 6-12 as National Newspaper Week. Mayor Seth F. Smith was joined by representatives of the Mena Star for the ceremony Arkansas Press Association Executive Director Ashley Wimberley applauded Smith and the Star staff for setting aside the time to observe the week. She encouraged other APA newspapers to Mena Mayor Seth Smith with (L to R) Elizabeth Horn, reach out to their mayors or find other Debbie Frost, Tom Byrd and Joy James of The Mena creative ways to recognize the importance Star. of newspapers during National Newspaper “The annual observance of National Week next year. Newspaper Week is an excellent time
to put your newspaper front and center in the community, whether it be through house ads, receptions at your office or proclamation signings like in Mena,” Wimberley said. “I hope our members take every opportunity they can to emphasize how essential their newspapers are in their communities.” Smith, in his proclamation, said that “the presence of local newspapers is the hallmark of a free and democratic society.” He encouraged all Mena citizens to express “appreciation for local newspapers and the role they play in society and our city.”