Zack Plair named new SDN editor

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From staff reports

Publisher Don Norman announced today that Zack Plair had been named editor of the Starkville Daily News effective immediately.

A native of Warren, Ark., Plair began his journalism career in 2003 as a reporter for the Cleveland County Herald in Rison, Ark., and has worked in several capacities at newspapers in both Southeast and Northeast Arkansas, most recently serving as editor of the Daily Press in Paragould.

“Our focus with Zack leading our news staff will be to continue to deliver high quality community news and information to our readers through our daily print product as well as through all digital platforms,” Norman said. “Digital media is an area that our readers have embraced over the past few years, and it is a key area that we will focus on improving in  the near future. Zack is an individual who is enthusiastic about journalism and public service, has relevant technical skills in online and print publishing and is passionate about community news in all its forms.”

Plair said his focus for his role at the newspaper would be providing a hyper-local product that served as a “mirror” for the community. He said he and his staff would work diligently to generate compelling and community-oriented material daily.

“Nothing is too big or too small,” Plair said. “To be a solid community newspaper, you have to cover everything from government, education and breaking news to human interest features with the same level of effort and care. We are committed to making that happen.”

Plair added he was excited to have the opportunity to work at the Starkville Daily News and to be a part of the Starkville community.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of a newspaper and community with such rich history and tradition,” he said. “I moved here on Saturday, and just in those few days since, everyone I’ve met has been friendly, cooperative and has made this transition positive. One of my priorities is community involvement, and based on what I’ve seen of Starkville so far, this should be an easy and welcoming place to become involved.”

Plair moved to Starkville with his 4-year-old daughter, Zayley Grace.