Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – Jonesboro Right Now (JRN) is welcoming a new leader to its newsroom as Jody Barker is named the organization’s new editor-in-chief.

Barker, a lifelong Jonesboro resident and experienced local journalist, has been working as a writer for JRN and brings more than a decade of experience in local media, including extensive work in television news, digital content and news production.

“I’ve always wanted to help elevate the local media landscape,” Barker said. “Jonesboro is a thriving, growing community, and I want to help tell the stories that matter to the people who live here.”

Barker’s professional background includes more than a decade with KAIT-TV, where he worked in several newsroom and production roles. He also previously worked at The Jonesboro Sun.

He brings an unusually strong academic background in media as well. Barker earned three degrees from Arkansas State University, including a bachelor’s degree in Creative Media Production, a master’s degree in Mass Communications and a master’s degree in Media Management with a concentration in Digital Media Management.

But Barker says his approach to journalism is about more than credentials.

“Every story must have a purpose,” he said. “We shouldn’t publish just for the sake of filling a content slot. That wastes the audience’s time and hurts our metrics. We have to be intentional.”

That philosophy will guide Barker as he takes responsibility for the editorial direction of JRN.

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He says local government and transparency will remain important parts of JRN’s coverage.

“People care deeply about local government and the heartbeat of our city,” Barker said. “Our audience wants transparency, and when there are suspicions, it is our job to investigate.”

Barker said JRN’s role is to provide readers with the facts and the information they need to make their own decisions.

“We are not the opinion makers; we are the messengers,” Barker said. “Our job is to give the public the facts, and it’s up to them to make their own decisions.”

Dr. Mary Jackson Pitts, professor emeritus at Arkansas State University and one of Barker’s former professors and thesis advisors, said his connection to Jonesboro makes him a natural fit for the position.

“Jody grew up in Jonesboro, went to Jonesboro High School, and possesses three degrees from A-State,” Pitts said. “He loves Jonesboro and the people who live here.”

Pitts said she regularly turns to JRN for local news and is looking forward to seeing Barker’s impact on the organization’s coverage.

“I look forward to seeing what he can bring to JRN’s local news coverage,” she said.

Barker succeeds Tarah Richardson, who is stepping away from the day-to-day responsibilities of editor-in-chief after helping lead the JRN newsroom.

Richardson has been an important part of JRN’s growth and development, helping establish the editorial voice and standards of the organization.

“We are incredibly grateful for what Tarah has brought to Jonesboro Right Now,” said Jonesboro Media Group president/general manager and JRN publisher Trey Stafford. “She has been an important part of our newsroom and has helped continue to grow JRN as a local news organization.”

Richardson will continue to be involved with JRN on select special projects while focusing on new business ventures and independent consulting.

“We’re excited about what Jody brings to the position, and we’re equally grateful that Tarah can remain a part of the JRN family,” Stafford said. “This is an exciting transition for Jonesboro Right Now and another step forward for our newsroom.”

Stafford added having Barker and chief reporter and former editor Rachel Rudd is a plus.

“Those two are going to be an outstanding journalistic team to lead the team we put together,” Stafford said.

For Barker, the new role represents an opportunity to contribute to the community he has called home his entire life.

“I love telling stories and sparking community conversations,” Barker said. “I want to help elevate the local media landscape and continue building something that Jonesboro can be proud of.”

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