From The Editor — The press release below is to alert those of our readers who may be interested in viewing the live stream or later watching it on the Eugene City Club’s Facebook page. This topic should be near and dear to anyone who believes in the need for freedom of the press to be able to flourish anywhere, and particularly in rural communities that lack the resources to ensure its survivability.
It should be an interesting panel discussion. Please join us. Thank you.
George Custer, Editor
Press Release
June 8, 2022
For Immediate Release
Can Local Newspapers be Saved?
Speakers: Jackman Wilson, Former Editor, Eugene Register Guard
Steve Forrester, CEO, EO Media Group
George Custer, Interim Editor, Highway 58 Herald
Date: July 8, 2022, at Noon
Location: First United Methodist Church, 1376 Olive St., Eugene OR
Live Stream City Club of Eugene You Tube Channel
Coordinator: Joel Korin
Thomas Jefferson said “A democratic society depends on an informed and educated citizenry.” Local newspapers have always been a vital part of informing society, but papers around the country are struggling. Some are closing completely. Some, like the Register Guard, have been bought out by large chains and are cutting service. Good journalism informs the public and can help keep government honest. What is the effect of changes in ownership on good journalism that educates the community?
In this program you will learn about the state of local journalism in Oregon from three speakers intimately familiar with the day-to-day problems of running newspapers. But it is not all gloom and doom—they will speak about some of the successes, also.
George Custer is the Interim Editor and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Highway 58 Herald in Oakridge. He is originally from Cave Junction, Oregon. After two years as a smokejumper, George joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and he attained the rank of captain. Following extensive travels in the service, George founded and ran a successful construction company in Southern California before moving back to Oregon in 2007. In Oakridge, he is a member and past president of the Uptown Business and Revitalization Association and former chair of the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Advisory Committee. He earned an MBA from the US International University in San Diego and taught business and economics at Park College in Missouri.
Steve Forrester is president and CEO of EO Media Group – a family-owned print and digital publishing company with fifteen newspapers across Oregon and in Southwest Washington. Upon his retirement from 30 years of daily journalism, Steve published the book “Eminent Oregonians: Three Who Matter.” The book’s subjects are Abigail Scott Duniway, Jesse Applegate, and Richard Neuberger. Steve and his family live in Astoria. His daughter Susan joined the family business in April, as Director of Audience Development.
Jackman Wilson, is a reporter, editor, and editorial writer with 45 years of experience at newspapers in Bend, Corvallis, and Eugene. His longest-held and final position was as editorial page editor of The Register-Guard in Eugene. He left that position in 2018 and now works as a freelance writer and editor. He is a contributor to Opinion in a Pinch, a service that supplies editorials and commentary to newspapers nationwide. Wilson has been a member of the Association of Opinion Journalists (formerly the National Conference of Editorial Writers) for 35 years. He is the winner of many state and regional awards, including two Best in the West prizes for editorial writing. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Journalism.
About the City Club of Eugene:
The mission of the City Club of Eugene is to build community vision through open inquiry. The Club explores a wide range of significant local, state, and national issues and helps to formulate new approaches and solutions to problems. Membership is open to all, and Club members have a direct influence on public policy by discussing issues of concern with elected officials and other policy makers. The City Club’s mailing address is PO Box 12084, Eugene, OR 97440 and its website is cityclubofeugene.org.
Video and Broadcast
This program will be live streamed, and the videotape will be made available on the City Club of Eugene’s Facebook page and You Tube Channel, in addition to our website. It will be broadcast on Monday, July11, at 7:00 pm, on KLCC 89.7 FM.
Contact: Silver A. Mogart, City Club of Eugene, Executive Director, (541) 485-7433,
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣
The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.
Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!
Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!
OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE: Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
