Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) Executive Director Diana R. “DeeDee” Fuentes died unexpectedly March 20 from an accidental fall after attending an open records conference in Washington, D.C. during Sunshine Week.

She was 67.

Colleagues called her a mighty force for high-impact journalism, with a sharp understanding of the law and South Texas politics. She worked as a newspaper editor in San Antonio and Laredo and was a national figure in print journalism and fierce advocate for newsroom diversity. She had an insatiable drive for truth-telling.

In addition to vendors showcasing the latest in technology and services, this year’s TPA Convention and Trade Show offers general sessions covering important topics in the newspaper industry.

Events are scheduled June 18 - 20 at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport Hotel.

For more than a quarter century, the silent auction benefiting the Texas Newspaper Foundation has brought a unique shopping experience to the TPA Convention and Trade Show. This year’s auction during the June 18-20 convention at the Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel will be no exception, and members are encouraged to bring items for sale and participate in the bidding.

Spur, Texas–based Paragraph Ranch Media has announced several recent personnel moves within the organization, which publishes five weekly newspapers in print and online editions, serving 10 contiguous rural counties and 15 school districts east of Lubbock.

HUNTSVILLE – The Huntsville Item has promoted general manager Traci Gallin to the top role as publisher of the paper, effective immediately.

A native of Huntsville, Gallin started her newspaper career at The Item 27 years ago in the mailroom and advanced steadily over the years in the production, advertising  and business operations. She has served as general manager since December of 2022.

Registration is open for the Texas Press Association Convention & Trade Show June 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency DFW Airport Hotel.

Registration forms and information are available online at www.texaspress.com.

The three-day event includes the annual trade show, the Hall of Fame and Golden 50 Award luncheon and a full slate of industry sessions, as well as an excursion to the American Airlines CR Smith Flight Museum.

A joint research project by three major universities shows that newspapers are highly effective disseminators of public notices, and moving the notices to government websites weakens citizen engagement with local governments.

“The study says exactly what the Texas Press Association has been telling lawmakers for decades: notices in newspapers actually get noticed,” said Mike Hodges, executive director of TPA. “Moving notices to government websites hurts public awareness and involvement. That is good only for officials who want to push something through with minimal opposition.”

Times Media Group (TMG), a news publisher with operations across the Southwest, and Moser Community Media – also known as Texas Local Media Company – have announced the acquisition of Moser’s portfolio of 32 newspapers serving markets throughout Texas.

Officials with both companies said the acquisition, effective March 2, marks Times Media Group’s formal expansion into Texas and reinforces both organizations’ shared commitment to strengthening local journalism and serving communities with trusted, independent reporting.

MARBLE FALLS – The Burnet Bulletin has moved to the office of The Highlander in downtown Marble Falls.

Since the office space has been consolidated Burnet area residents who need to do business in person may now come to the Marble Falls location.

According to Highlander and Burnet Bulletin General Manager James Jones, the Bulletin newspaper will continue to publish as always.

“Our goal is to provide the same quality reporting, advertising services and resources our readers have come to expect both in print and online,” Jones said.

The Houston Chronicle is making a $10 million investment in a modern printing press, capable of churning out new editions of regional and national newspapers for the next half century. 

The new Goss Uniliner press, built over the past year in the room that used to store reams of paper, began printing most Chronicle print jobs in late January.

By DUG BEGLEY, Houston Chronicle