TUSKEGEE, Alabama — In a show of community commitment, the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) has stepped in to acquire “The Tuskegee News,” the city’s 160-year-old weekly newspaper, preventing the area from becoming another victim of America’s growing number of “news deserts.”
With longtime owner Gayle Davis ready to retire after 42 years at the helm — and with Publisher/Editor Guy Rhodes also stepping down after 32 years — the future of “The Tuskegee News” was at risk.
When no private buyers emerged, MCEDA Director Joe Turnham, a contributor to the paper for the past eight years, took action.
Turnham approached the Davis family with the idea of purchasing the publication through a newly created entity, Tuskegee Media LLC, and worked with the MCEDA board to make it a reality. The purchase includes the newspaper and its building, secured through a real estate loan.
“This isn’t just about saving a paper,” Turnham said. “It’s about preserving the voice of a community and protecting our momentum and economic development. ‘The Tuskegee News’ is the paper of record for all of Macon County.
“To have lost it would have been tragic.”
Turnham believes this may be the first time an economic development agency in Alabama — or anywhere in the country — has stepped in to rescue a rural weekly newspaper. With 50% of U.S. counties now classified as news deserts, according to Turnham, the move represents a bold stroke.
As part of its revitalization strategy, the MCEDA has brought on Michael Floyd, a recent Auburn University journalism graduate who previously wrote for “The Brewton Standard” and “The Auburn Plainsman,” and also hosts a sports podcast.
The Authority also plans to launch a fully digital version of the paper, with real-time news coverage and active social media channels within 100 days.
Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, praised the effort as a groundbreaking step for local economic development.
“Access to timely, local news is a critical component of a thriving economy,” Secretary McNair said. “The Macon County EDA’s bold decision to save ‘The Tuskegee News’ is not just an investment in journalism — it’s an investment in the heartbeat of the community. We’re proud to see this kind of leadership and creativity coming out of Macon County.”
The move has already drawn heartfelt appreciation from residents and local leaders alike.
“The community is very grateful,” Turnham said. “This newspaper is part of our identity. Saving it helps ensure our progress, our people and our potential continue to be seen and heard.”
