Members' views - Missouri Press Association

Kent Ford's kindness will endure for the ages

In the spring of 1995, I signed up for something I wasn't quite prepared for. Such is the way of a Gen Xer with nothing to lose and all the confidence in the world. I had been working for a … more

By John Beaudoin | 9/2/26

An excerpt from Kent Ford's 'Boomer Tales: Adventures of a Part-Time Delinquent'

The following excerpt is from Kent Ford's memoir, Boomer Tales: Adventures of a Part-Time Delinquent. It is republished here with permission. Kent Ford was editor of Missouri Press News for 25 … more

From Missouri Press Staff | 8/14/26

Looming in optimism

It was 8:10 p.m. on Thursday in Cardiff, Wales, when I got the news. Three local newspapers and our press ceased operations — effective immediately. I was at the International Society of … more

By Kyle Troutman/Editor and Publisher/Cassville Democrat | 7/22/26

The gospel from 6172

This week’s prose comes to you from Room 6172. The location is Mercy Hospital in Springfield, sixth floor, where I’m banging out a Monday column while sitting in a mechanical bed that’s pretty … more

By Dan Wehmer/Webster County Citizen | 6/8/26

Another newspaper, same fight

Recently, our press printed its first edition for another newspaper publication and I found myself standing over the stacks longer than I normally would after a run finished. Part of it was … more

By Miranda Jamison/Richmond News | 5/12/26

Showing up can make a difference

It’s easy to find reasons not to attend industry events. There is always more work to do and stepping away can feel like something you just can’t afford right now. That’s the reality for a lot … more

By Bryan Chester | 5/1/26

A case for recognition

There are a lot of things we do in this business that are easy to measure — revenue, page views, contracts signed, campaigns delivered. Recognition, on the other hand, is often treated as something … more

By Bryan Chester | 4/1/26

Fashion with Front Page Flair

Versailles middle school students conducted a fashion show March 6 at the performing arts center, complete with a red carpet, velvet ropes, and runway music. I was not aware of any fashion critics in … more

By Bryan E. Jones/Morgan County Statesman | 3/18/26

J-School’s Potter program can give you a digital boost

In my first column, I shared that during my time as president of the Missouri Press Association, I plan to lean on the expertise we’re fortunate to have at the Missouri School of Journalism. One of … more

By Bryan Chester | 3/1/26

Here’s what your next hire is thinking about

When I talk with publishers and editors across Missouri, there’s a question that comes up repeatedly. It usually sounds something like this: How do we attract recent graduates to our newspaper? … more

By Bryan Chester | 2/1/26

Let’s grow something wonderful together

I’d like to start 2026 by thanking you for entrusting me with the stewardship of an organization that means a great deal to me and one I truly believe in. I was flattered when I was first asked to … more

By Bryan Chester | 1/1/26

AI is here to help. Do we want this help?

I admit I’m a little late to this discussion, but WTH are we going to do about AI? I don’t have any answers, just a lot of questions and a few opinions. I expect I’ll know a … more

By Peggy Scott | 12/1/25

Bob Florence/Main Street Media Newspapers

Thankful for local newspapers

As we head toward the Thanksgiving holiday, we are often encouraged to share things for which we are truly ‘‘thankful.” Family, friends, good health (and the like) are things that first come to mind. more

By Bob Florence/Main Street Media Newspapers | 11/24/25

Publisher Therapy: Attending newspaper conventions and meetings

Whew! It’s been a bit of a whirlwind in my life for the past month or so with so many conventions and conferences to attend. Don’t get me wrong. I love going to the Missouri Press … more

By Peggy Scott | 11/1/25

Reading newspapers an act of courage

All week long — National Newspaper Week — we have been examining the important role newspapers play in their communities and the many ways those communities become malnourished when their … more

By Andy Ostmeyer/The Joplin Globe | 10/16/25

Talking to ourselves

Walter Cronkite once said, “Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy; it is democracy.” We are in the midst of National Newspaper Week, Oct. 5-11, which I see as the … more

By Kyle Troutman/Editor and Publisher/Cassville Democrat | 10/13/25

Growth and dedication mark my path through journalism

This summer, I was given the opportunity to further my journalism education through a 13-week internship with the Warrensburg Star-Journal . As a junior majoring in digital media production with a … more

By Darby Mostaffa/Missouri Press Foundation Summer Intern | 10/8/25

‘Trial by fire’ internship marries passions for writing, design

Before my time at the Webster County Citizen , I knew Seymour, Missouri, as the dinky little town down the highway from my only slightly less dinky hometown, Marshfield. The extent of my knowledge … more

By Lauren Replogle/Missouri Press Foundation Summer Intern | 10/7/25

Reporter reflects on reader engagement

While I have written columns for Trout Talk and Fall Home and Garden, I believe this is my first column that the paper is publishing in a regular issue. I’d like to take the opportunity to talk … more

By Jack Silberberg/Laclede County Record | 10/6/25

Yes, Virginia. Classified ads are real

As we ramped up for this year’s MPA Convention, my friend Steve Rosenfeld with Bluefin Technology Partners stopped by Leader World Headquarters and asked a question I never really considered. … more

By Peggy Scott | 10/1/25