Missouri Press Association
Serving Missouri Newspapers Since 1867
Bryan Jones, publisher and owner of the Morgan County Statesman, Versailles, was elected president of the Missouri Press Association Friday, Sept. 25, during the 160th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Columbia.
Jones has been on the Missouri Press Association Board of Directors since January 2018, but you might remember him from his time (approximately a year and a half) as editor of Missouri Press News, MPA’s monthly magazine. Missing the community newspaper life, he ended up purchasing two newspapers from Vernon Publishing, his former employers.
“I genuinely relish the role I play in our community as ‘the newspaper guy,’” Jones said. “I enjoy having a front-row seat to what’s happening in our town and am motivated by the thought I may have some influence for good.”
With a degree in communications from New Mexico State University, and experience in public relations, Jones said he thinks a lot about how the digital world has, unfortunately, allowed people to create echo chambers for themselves. By doing so, they limit new viewpoints they’re willing to consider and maintain positions that might not be well-informed. AI driving more of the internet’s content, especially via social media, also distorts what information people can easily access and often drowns out quality, vetted information in the process.
“The challenge for newspapers is to break through these silos and echo chambers with relevant, focused, well-vetted, fair and accurate reporting, and earn the trust of the consumer and the money of the advertiser,” Jones said.
Describing himself as “insatiably curious,” Jones said he is looking forward to helping Missouri’s newspaper industry address ongoing issues but also face head-on the things that threaten the future of community newspapers in the Show-Me State.
Jones lives in Versailles with his wife, Angela, and several dogs and cats. He officially takes office as MPA president Jan. 1.
Bryan Chester, general manager of the Columbia Missourian, will continue on the MPA Board of Directors through 2027 as past president.
Other 2027 MPA officers and directors elected Sept. 25, include First Vice President, Mike Scott, NEMOnews Media Group; Second Vice President, Hannah Spaar, The Odessan, Odessa; Secretary, Abby Hess, West Plains Daily Quill; and Treasurer, Sarah Gray, Marshall Democrat-News.
Directors for three-year terms include Gary Castor, Leader Publications, Festus; Allen Edmonds, The North Cass Herald, Belton; Jacob Warden, Warden Publishing, Owensville; and Kyle Troutman, Cassville Democrat, Cassville.
Dawn Suggs, The St. Louis American, will continue as the National Newspaper Association state chair.
Continuing on the MPA Board in 2027 will be directors: Donna Bischoff, BridgeTower Media, St. Louis; Tim Schmidt, Westplex Media, Montgomery City; Jaime Mowers, Webster-Kirkwood Times, St. Louis; and Ron Schott, Wright County Journal, Mountain Grove.
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