By KEN ESTEN COOKE, 2023-24 TPA President

“Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.”

– John Steinbeck

Ah, the Panhandle plains. Being in the Hill Country, I don’t get to visit “up yonder” frequently, but I was fortunate to attend the Panhandle Press Association’s regional convention in Canyon.

By KEN ESTEN COOKE, TPA President 2023-24

Two important developments surfaced recently which are huge for our newspaper industry.

Before we get to those, let’s celebrate our recent wins in the Texas Legislature. We had some minor setbacks, but thanks to the diligence of the TPA staff and our members who testified, we beat back a lot of bad legislation. A list of wins and losses can be found in the July Texas Press Messenger or online at www.texaspress.com/2023-session-one-toughest-most-successful.

By Ken Cooke, TPA President

I look up at my great-grandfather’s portrait on my office wall every day. The portrait shows a stern-looking man — who actually had a wicked sense of humor — and is probably dated around 1920. I wonder what life was like for John Esten Cooke in his wool suit and round spectacles.

Being installed as president of the Texas Press Association is an honor, and I’m incredibly proud to represent the members I admire so much.

If time flies when you’re having fun, wait until you are leading an organization like the Texas Press Association.

My term of serving the membership is over in less time than it takes a popsicle to melt on a hot Texas sidewalk. And I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity.

By Leonard Woolsey, TPA President

At last year’s convention, I humbly and proudly took the oath to serve the interests of newspapers across Texas. I felt like a little kid standing in my uncle’s worn roping boots.

The making of laws isn’t sexy.

As Texas Press Association members, keeping our eyes open for impactful bills during a legislative session is one of our organization’s top priorities.

Mike Hodges and Donnis Baggett invest an enormous amount of time combing through a dizzying number of bills filed each session. When a bill of interest is flagged, rallying the troops is required. Sometimes that means asking certain members to make a phone call or send an email. Other times you get called to Austin to testify.

Recently I visited with a newspaper friend in Florida who has the audacity to turn the industry on its ear.

“I want to build a bigger business,” he says.

He pauses.

“Why not?”

And much like a scene from Star Wars, you find yourself nodding in total agreement to the words of the Jedi Warrior.

By Leonard Woolsey, TPA President 2022-23

Newspaper swagger comes in part by being a driver of thoughtful discussions and conversations in your community.

Doing so, however, can be tricky.

Good newspapers are thought-leaders in their community — an institution where courage and action sit side by side. A place where news events can migrate from the front page to editorial page, with the newspaper making important observations and asking key questions.

It’s broken-record time – but please don’t stop if you’ve heard this one before. I promise it’s worth another spin.

The 2023 legislative session is in full swing. Lawmakers walk the halls, move furniture, file bills, and create or renew relationships. The question is, are you engaged in the process?

Picture a small newspaper office with nearly a dozen people waiting patiently in line. They are young, energetic and engaged in the world around them. On the other side of the counter are members of a team dedicated to serving the community with the most relevant community news and information.

And in the case of The Big Bend Sentinel, they will also make you a great cup of coffee.

By Leonard Woolsey, TPA President

Last week the screen of my cellphone lit up as the electronic brick began vibrating across the nightstand. Fumbling, I stabbed at the phone and flipped it open to see who decided 2 a.m. was a good time to call. 
Squinting, my eyes made out the letters K-R-I-S.

By LEONARD WOOLSEY, TPA President