Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – Starting Jonesboro Right Now in early 2024 felt a lot like building a roller coaster and riding it at the same time. It was equal parts exciting and intimidating.
We were figuring things out as we went, often in real time, but there was an energy behind it that made the uncertainty feel worthwhile.
I was honored to serve as the founding editor-in-chief at JRN, and from day one, I embraced the opportunity to help shape something entirely new … from designing the logo and website to developing a voice for the site that felt authentic to our community.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how fortunate I was to have such strong support along the way. Building something like JRN is never a solo effort, and I was surrounded by incredibly talented writers who cared deeply about telling meaningful stories, as well as leadership that trusted me to try new things and grow into the role.
I also benefited from mentors who offered guidance, perspective, and encouragement when I needed it most. Their willingness to share their experiences (and their patience) played a huge role in shaping both JRN and my own development. Any success we experienced in those early days is a reflection of that collective effort, and I’m truly grateful for the people who helped make it possible.
What excited me most was the chance to tell the stories of my hometown in a fresh way. Jonesboro has no shortage of meaningful, impactful stories, and JRN was the perfect way to highlight the people, places, and issues that matter most right here.
Coming from a background in marketing and social media rather than traditional journalism, I approached storytelling a little differently. That perspective influenced not only what we covered, but how we shared it, often in ways that were less formal and more immediate, conversational, and community-driven.
Of course, that approach came with its challenges. Without formal journalism training, I knew I would have a learning curve, and at times that was very visible. Public criticism was one of the most difficult aspects of the role.
In a space where every decision is public and every word can be scrutinized, feedback comes quickly and often unfiltered. While we did receive an overwhelming amount of support, it’s human nature for the negative comments to linger longer. Learning to separate personal feelings from professional responsibility was a challenge, but ultimately an important part of growing into the role.
That experience also reinforced something I believe strongly about our community: the way we speak to and about one another matters. Journalism, especially at the local level, is inherently personal. It involves our neighbors, our friends, our schools, our businesses, and our shared experiences. It’s important that we approach those conversations with respect and understanding.
Journalism, especially at the local level, is inherently personal. It involves our neighbors, our friends, our schools, our businesses, and our shared experiences.
Criticism will always have a place to help organizations grow and improve, but it is most valuable when it is thoughtful and constructive. There is room in our community for different perspectives, different backgrounds, and different approaches. Holding space for those differences and choosing kindness in how we engage with one another ultimately makes our community stronger.
Looking at where JRN is today, I’m incredibly proud of what it has become. What started as a small, ambitious idea has grown into a trusted, hyperlocal news source for Jonesboro and Northeast Arkansas. The momentum it gained early on has continued, and it has carved out a unique space for itself by staying focused on Jonesboro and the stories that directly impact its residents.
In a media landscape where coverage often shifts toward state or national headlines, JRN has remained committed to the local perspective, and I believe that is its greatest strength.
As I think about the future, my hope is that JRN continues to grow while holding onto the foundation it was built on. There are so many stories here that deserve to be told… the everyday moments, the community wins, the voices that might otherwise go unheard.
JRN has the unique opportunity to continue championing those stories, to remain rooted in the community, and to serve as a platform for connection and understanding.
Being part of JRN’s beginning is something I will always be proud of, and I look forward to watching how it continues to evolve.
