Jeff Harrison's journey from aspiring graphic designer to managing editor of the Midwest City Beacon reveals the unexpected paths that lead us to meaningful work. The Wisconsin native never imagined Oklahoma would become his permanent home, yet the challenges and rewards of local journalism captured his heart and anchored him in a community he's grown to love.
As the sole full-time editorial employee at a small community newspaper, Harrison offers a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day realities of modern local journalism. From the Monday press-day scrambles to finish layouts and tie up loose ends, to the persistent detective work required to uncover important stories, his experiences highlight both the evolving challenges and enduring importance of community news. "It's getting harder and harder to get people on the phone," Harrison notes, pointing to just one of the many obstacles today's journalists face in gathering information.
The symbiotic relationship between local journalism and community service organizations like Rotary forms the heart of this conversation. Harrison's relatively new membership in the Midwest City Rotary Club mirrors the newspaper's mission to strengthen community bonds. Both entities share information, support local initiatives, and create connections between diverse community members. As newspapers nationwide face unprecedented financial pressures, Harrison emphasizes how community support through subscriptions, advertising, and news tips directly translates to stronger local journalism and, by extension, more informed and connected communities. Check out MidwestCityBeacon.com to subscribe or call 405-455-1110 to learn how you can support this vital community resource. What local news sources do you rely on, and how might you help them thrive?