Craig Franklin:

As the year 2023 began, I had no idea what was in store. Honestly, no one really does when it concerns the future. Having left the newspaper in June of 2022, I had come to the conclusion that my newspaper days were gone but was content in knowing that God was directing all of my steps as other opportunities had opened.

But shortly after the first of the year, negotiations began for the eventual purchase of this newspaper from the Sammy Franklin Succession. The process then moved quickly and by the end of March, the sale occurred and the next thing I knew, I was back at the newspaper.

Since that day back on March 28, much has happened in regards to your community newspaper. As is typical at the end of a year, I have taken time to reflect upon this past year: the good, the bad and even the ugly.

I could have never imagined the strong support from the community that we received upon taking ownership. Words could never express our gratitude for the love and acceptance many have shown us as we embarked on this new endeavor.

I say “new” because working at the family newspaper under the watchful eye of Sammy Franklin is much different than owning the newspaper without that wise man here.

I know that I am no Sammy Franklin. No one will ever be, and honestly, that is not even my goal. I’m simply striving to live up to the legacy he left in regards to the content and operation of this newspaper, and I realize there have been many instances where I have failed. I take some solace in believing that during those first few years of him owning the newspaper there were mistakes made as well. Although I am his son, I hope the public understands that he had 54 years of ownership to get it “right.” My prayer is the lessons that I am learning each week will help speed up my “getting it right” process. Through it all, the support from our parish has truly been felt and the grace that has been extended to us has been received with much gratitude.

During the months leading up to the purchase of this newspaper, we had to undergo a very crucial examination of the paper and its operation. With the rise of social media and Internet- based sites during the last decade, the newspaper industry as a whole has been severely affected, especially small-town, weekly papers. Many have closed. Many are mere shells of what they once were. White many are on the verge of closing even as you read this.

We had to think innovatively – outside the box. Our focus was to continue the coverage and integrity that has made this newspaper a success during the 54 years that Daddy owned and operated it, while at the same time changing many things to allow it to become relevant to younger generations and prepare for its success for future generations.

That resulted in a change in layouts, formats, fonts and virtually all aspects of the printed and e-version papers and a complete overhaul of our internet services. While the overwhelming comments that we have heard were positive, I do know that some were not as receptive to the newer look and operation. Change is often met with some negativity simply because people like the familiar. We hope that eventually, even those will come to see the change was positive for the success of the paper.

I hadn’t really thought about the positive impact the changes have made until I was recently asked by the Louisiana Press Association to be a speaker for a webinar on how to incorporate changes to revive failing community newspapers.

When I questioned why I was being asked to share in this webinar the response was that they had been watching our “numbers” since we took over last March. That made me curious and when I finally looked at the “numbers” I was blown away and even more humbled and grateful for all God has done.

In the past nine months, our average monthly Newsstand Sales are up over 15% (selling completely out of newspaper on more than one occasion). Our Print Subscriptions are up over 40%. Our Digital Subscriptions are up 306%. Our Social Media Reach is up 374%. And, our Website Visitors are up over 800%.

Despite the many mistakes and failures that we have made as we learn how to manage a newspaper and the public, God has been merciful, along with our readers and advertisers, and has allowed this newspaper to exceed all imaginable goals we may have set.

We do not take these numbers lightly. We are careful to give God praise and glory for all He is doing and trust as long as we continue to abide by his guiding principles found in His Word, He will continue to bless.

Will we make more mistakes? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Will we always make the right decisions? Again, I’m sure there will be other instances where the wrong choice is made and we will have to live with the consequences. But we are striving our best to do it right. We work hard to be fair in all our reporting and try to be sensitive where we can.

As we close out 2023, we are very optimistic about what the year 2024 will bring. We are not content on where we are and will continue to work hard to bring you the best small-town, weekly newspaper possible.

Our goal is to have a newspaper that all of LaSalle Parish is proud of. One that brings you the latest news from our parish, celebrates achievements and milestones and keeps everyone abreast from school events to economic advancements.

We will continue to improve each week as we stay focused on the mission statement that Sammy Franklin originated soon after he purchased the newspaper back in 1968: The Jena Times Olla-Tullos-Urania Signal, “Dedicated to the PROGRESS and GROWTH of LaSalle Parish.”

Thank you for a wonderful 2023 and may God bless you all in 2024!