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In a world where media landscapes are rapidly evolving, The Ouachita Citizen remains a steady beacon of local journalism. At the helm is Sam Hanna, Publisher and media veteran, who sat down with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Louisiana Catalyst to share how this century-old newspaper continues to serve Monroe and beyond with trusted reporting.
A Century of Community Coverage
Founded in 1924, The Ouachita Citizen celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Originally owned by the Hood family, the paper changed hands several times before Hanna and his late father acquired it in 1996. Since then, the paper has expanded its influence through Hanna Publishing, which also operates The Franklin Sun and The Concordia Sentinel.
Throughout the decades, Hanna has seen firsthand how local newspapers play a vital role in informing and connecting communities. “We focus on strictly local content,” Hanna emphasized. “We report on city councils, school boards, and high school sports—news that directly affects our readers.”
Navigating the Digital Shift
The rise of the internet presented major hurdles for traditional newspapers. Like many publishers, The Ouachita Citizen initially offered free content online without anticipating the revenue loss. “We gave away our content, and that was a mistake,” Hanna said. “We had to adapt quickly.”
Cell phones and social media further disrupted the industry. Today, tech giants like Google and Facebook control most digital ad revenues, creating additional challenges for small publishers. Despite these obstacles, Hanna remains committed to maintaining a well-staffed newsroom, even if it means slimmer profit margins.
“We’ve been told we spend too much on people,” Hanna noted. “But I believe strong reporting is non-negotiable.”
A Voice for Accountability
Hanna’s mission goes beyond profits. He sees the newspaper’s presence at government meetings as a critical safeguard. “We’re not just covering stories—we’re holding officials accountable,” he said. “Without local press, who’s watching how your tax dollars are spent?”
Studies support Hanna’s view. Communities without local news often face increased corruption and decreased civic engagement (Abernathy, P.M., 2018, The Expanding News Desert, University of North Carolina).
Looking Ahead: Partnerships and Persistence
Hanna Publishing partners with organizations like Louisiana Catalyst and the Monroe Chamber to strengthen the region’s business ecosystem. Louisiana Catalyst’s coworking and podcasting spaces are designed to help local entrepreneurs thrive.
Hanna also advocates for public policy that supports journalism. He recently worked with Senator John Kennedy to propose legislation ensuring fair compensation from tech platforms. Though the bill didn’t pass, Hanna remains hopeful for future reform.
Staying Connected
As The Ouachita Citizen moves into its second century, Hanna continues to explore digital innovations while honoring the print tradition. Subscriptions are available at OuachitaCitizen.com, offering both print and digital options.
Sam Hanna’s dedication reminds us why local journalism matters. It’s not just about news—it’s about trust, transparency, and community.
Sources
Abernathy, P. M. (2018). The Expanding News Desert. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. https://www.usnewsdeserts.com