57 Years Strong With an Eye On the Future

Benjamin Bates Data News Weekly Contributor

Over Five Decades of Impact

It’s been 57 years since Data News Weekly was started by Joseph “Scoop” Jones. In its early years the newspaper filled a void, making an impact on a community that needed to have a voice. Today that legacy continues under the leadership of Terry Jones, its publisher. His vision is one that is bold, where he believes Data News Weekly can reach new heights.

“We are and have always been ‘The People’s Paper.’ We give voice to the voiceless and tell stories that matter to our community,” says Jones.

Data News Weekly: A National Leader in African-American News

Data News Weekly continues to be an important Black newspaper across the city and the nation, giving Jones high recognition amongst his peers as a leader in the Black Newspaper industry. Recognizing their important role, Jones is an advocate of Black newspapers expanding and having a larger footprint for a new generation of readers.

“We have to meet people where they are, and that is why we are beginning to expand into other ways to engage our readers. In the coming months, we are expanding our digital presence, as well as launching a podcast and working with our media partners in radio and possibly television. This is an important strategy for us moving forward as a leader in the Black media.”

A Voice for the Community

In these pressing times, it is important that Black-owned media raise their voice in support of justice and equity. This is something that many companies have embraced in their words, but Jones feels that more intentionality of investment in Black media is essential if these initiatives are to be successful.

“In light of what is going on in the world right now, it is more important than ever for the Black media to be advocates for our community. This is something we have always done at Data News Weekly during our 57 years. Now it is time for us to amplify our voices even more, to make sure we are at the table when decisions are being made that affect our community.”

Forever the People’s Paper

New Orleans Data News Weekly has become a staple that for every week gives the citizens of the New Orleans news they can use. “While we are celebrating our anniversary, moving forward we would like to build on our success by bringing our readers as well as our advertising partners, along on our journey to the next level. We have so many great things ahead as we are building on our rich legacy into a future where we will have an even greater impact.”