New Details Emerge on Journal, Inc. Newspapers in Oxford

HottyToddy.com has learned more details about the introduction of a new weekly newspaper and an advertising “shopper” publication in Oxford by the Journal, Inc. based in Tupelo.
In an Internet communication to potential ad buyers, former Oxford Eagle sales manager Sarah Brooke Bishop, who is now selling ads for the new Oxford Citizen and the Local Values advertising tabloids, said the first edition of the Citizen would be printed April 25, “Just in time for Double Decker.”
She added the publication would feature all local news, focusing on sports and lifestyle articles written by familiar writers like John Davis, former Oxford Eagle sports editor, Errol Castens and Parrish Alford.
Bishop said the Local Values advertising piece would debut April 30. She said both publications would be distributed to all 21,600 Lafayette County households.
Patsy Brumfield, former Tupelo Daily Journal news editor and an experienced courts/politics reporter, said this about the move by Journal, Inc.: “Starting any new publication these days is risky business, but it’s clear the Daily Journal needs to get into the fray (with the Boone Newspapers Group, expected soon to be the new owners of the Oxford Eagle)  — at the very least to protect its western side of circulation. If anybody can make it work, it’s the Daily Journal. Its leaders have a good bit of experience with Oxford, especially with sports and lifestyle coverage.”

Brumfield, who now resides in Jackson, is communications director for Better Schools, Better Jobs.
Editor’s Note: In our previously story Hottytoddy.com incorrectly quoted Oxford Eagle News Editor Jon Scott. In a comment about former sports editor John Davis leaving the Eagle, Scott actually said only that Davis was going to work for the Tupelo Daily Journal. Scott repeatedly told HottyToddy.com that he had no information on any new newspapers in Oxford. Scott further clarified that his mention of “total market coverage” referred to the weekly shopper publication and not a communications strategy.
Hottytoddy.com regrets the error.