At just 25 years old, Monticello native Evan Newton has taken a bold step to protect his community’s hometown newspaper from corporate consolidation, becoming its new owner and editor.
- Evan Newton buys and leads 145-year-old The Monticello News
- Aims to balance print tradition with digital innovation
- Pushes back against national media consolidation
What happened
Evan Newton, a lifelong resident of Monticello, Georgia, and a recent journalism graduate, has purchased The Monticello News, his hometown’s newspaper founded in 1881. This acquisition makes him one of the youngest newspaper owners in the country. Previously, Newton worked as an intern at the paper and later as news editor at The Covington News.
The former owner, Kathy Mudd, who had been involved with the paper since the 1970s, decided to retire and welcomed Newton as the new publisher, editor, and owner. Newton’s takeover marks a full-circle journey from enthusiastic reader to community journalist and now steward of the paper’s legacy and future.
Why it feels good
Newton’s purchase of The Monticello News is a hopeful stand against the growing trend of local newspaper consolidation under large media conglomerates. More than half of daily newspapers nationally are owned by major corporations, which can distance news coverage from the communities they serve.
By maintaining local ownership, Newton is fostering trust within the community. Readers can personally interact with him, ensuring accountability and relevance. He believes local leadership in journalism strengthens connection and confidence, preserving the newspaper’s role as an authentic town fixture.
What to enjoy or watch next
Evan Newton is prioritizing digital expansion alongside the paper’s respected print edition. Readers can expect a refresh of The Monticello News with a redesigned look, increased focus on community stories, more coverage of local sports, and interactive features to engage a broader, including younger, audience.
This evolving approach offers residents multiple ways to stay informed, whether through weekly print editions or continuous online updates. Newton’s passion and vision promise not only to preserve the history of this 145-year-old institution but also to secure its vibrant future in an increasingly digital world.