Arkansas Press Association President Ashley Wimberly says:
There’s a lot of movin’ and shakin’ going on in the Arkansas newspaper industry — with even more good news on the horizon. 🗞️
According to our count at APA, there have been about 30 acquisitions in the past five years— and several digital startups.
Local newspapers are the of the heartbeat of communities. They encourage civic engagement, preserve history, serve as a watchdogs to increase accountability, foster connection and support the local economy.
In an era of constant misinformation — I can’t think of a more important time to see our industry make great strides and to see citizens turning back to community journalism.
WEHCO Media Inc. announced today that the newspaper has been acquired by Arkansas-based Newsroom Ventures, LLC, effective March 31, 2026.
Under the new local ownership, the newspaper will continue operating under its current name and location. The printed newspaper will be mailed directly to subscribers on Fridays, and readers will continue to have access to content at www.pbcommercial.com.
Current Pine Bluff subscribers will continue to have full access to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Through an agreement with the new ownership, the Democrat-Gazette will continue publishing multiple stories each week about the people, issues and events shaping Jefferson County, though beginning April 1 this coverage will no longer appear in a dedicated section of the print edition or digital replica.
“We are honored to carry forward the legacy of the Pine Bluff Commercial,” said Roby Brock, CEO and publisher of Newsroom Ventures, LLC.
“I want to thank Walter Hussman and his outstanding team for putting their trust in me to continue this important regional newspaper. We will continue to make investments in our news product to serve our readers and the community and look forward to long-term success.”
