A Century of Success
Photo | Keith Taylor, Berea Citizen Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (right), reads a resolution on the Senate floor on February 26 honoring the Nolan Media Group and their successful 100 years of business and counting. Representing the company (from left) is Glenn Gray, Claudia Nolan, Jay Nolan, James F. Nolan Jr., and Stivers.
By Allyson Dix
Jobe Publishing, Inc.
One hundred years.
That’s the total number of years that Nolan Group Media has been in operation, and the Kentucky State Senate recognized the century milestone on February 26.
Senate President Robert Stivers, a Republican elected to serve in Clay County, Kentucky, delivered the resolution on the Senate floor.
The American Dream, a phrase rooted in the fabric of America emphasizing the freedom and opportunity to achieve success, is one of which the late James Frank Nolan seized in 1925 when he embarked on a newspaper career journey, ultimately leading to what is known today as the Nolan Group Media.
The Clay County native’s media enterprise would ultimately turn into a constellation of newspapers and related businesses dedicated to serving communities, highlighting its dedication to ensure accurate and honest reporting on issues important to those who live in the Eastern Kentucky area.
When James Frank Nolan passed away at the age of 100 in 2007, the business passed to his son, James F. Nolan Jr. and later, his grandson James F. Nolan III (known as Jay).
Keith Taylor with the Berea Citizen, a Nolan Media Group newspaper, reported in late January that despite advances with technology, Jay (who is now the CEO and Chairman of NMG), shared the following when asked why the company continues in the newspaper business.
“Because we believe telling the truth and serving others still matters, even today,” Jay told the Berea Citizen. “Unlike social media, we are 100% legally accountable for, and stand 100% behind every word we publish–both on our news websites and in our printed newspapers.”
The resolution highlights Jay’s “exceptional value on his papers’ subscribers and advertisers, as through their support the newspapers can assist in preserving democracy through printing news stories in the most accurate, accountable, and professional manner.”
Present last week on behalf of Jobe Publishing, Inc. were President Michelle Rowe and Edmonton Herald News Editor P.J. Martin, who attended to honor the Nolan family.
“I’m humbled to have witnessed the recognition of 100 years to Nolan Media Group,” Rowe said. “They continue to stand the test of time by being the trusted, reliable, and respected source of local news in their communities.”
While present, Jeff Jobe, Publisher and CEO of Jobe Publishing, Inc. and JPI’s local newspapers were also recognized from the Senate floor.
Ironically, at the same time, the House of Representatives were down the hall considering HB 368, ultimately passing the bill to ensure local small businesses known as newspapers across the Commonwealth will lose revenue and create barriers to transparency.
“In a time where those elected to represent the people of this state were attacking local newspapers on the House floor, the Senate chose a different path, one that honors the legacies of our oldest businesses, local newspapers, across Kentucky,” Jobe said. “That is what matters most.”
Jobe Publishing, Inc. extends our gratitude to those House Representatives who stood for transparency and local newspapers. The final vote on House Bill 368 was 62-30. JPI is especially thankful for the support of our House Representatives Steve Riley (Barren County), Shawn McPherson (Allen County), and Joshua Branscum (Russell County) for standing against the passing of this bill, instead standing with their local newspapers and ensuring transparency continues in the counties they serve.
