Journalism websites are buzzing today with news of big layoffs in the newsroom of the Worcester (Mass.) Telegrampurchased recently from Boston billionaire John Henry by the Dayton, Fla.,-based Halifax Media Group. One of the equity investors in Halifax is Stephens Capital Partners of Little Rock. It is an invesment apart from its own Stephens Media, which has been downsizing considerably in Arkansas recently, including recent layoffs at the Fort Smith daily newspaper and Central Arkansas weeklies.

Investors apparently still see profit in newspapers — with enough firings of employees.

Advertisement

Another Arkansas angle: John Henry, who owns the Boston Red Sox, spent some of his youthful years in Arkansas as the child of soybean farmers who spent time split between Illinois and Arkansas. He finished high school in California and made a fortune as a commodity futures trader and investor.

Help to Keep Great Journalism Alive in Arkansas

Join the fight for truth and become a subscriber of the Arkansas Times. We've been battling powerful forces for 50 years through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, our readers value great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing and supporting our efforts, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers to expand our coverage. Together, we can continue to hold the powerful accountable and bring important stories to light. Subscribe now or donate for as little as $1 and be a part of the Arkansas Times community.

Previous article The many joys of Maison Terre Next article New music from Stephen Neeper and The Wild Hearts, ‘Southern Truth’