Texas Local Media’s network of 32 community newspapers remains under longtime Texas-based leadership following a recent ownership transition, with senior leaders emphasizing continuity in local operations across the state.
The company, formerly known as Moser Community Media, includes weekly and small daily newspapers serving communities throughout Texas. It has built its footprint over decades of local reporting and community engagement.
Ownership of the group changed in March as part of an acquisition by Times Media Group, but day-to-day operations in Texas continue to be led by familiar faces with deep ties to both the organization and the communities these newspapers serve.
“One of the things we have always taken the most pride in at Times Media Group is preserving the voice and feel of every publication we acquire,” said Steve Strickbine, president of Times Media Group. “These papers are part of the fabric of their communities, and it’s important that they continue to reflect that.”
Mandy Farrow, now serving as senior group publisher, brings more than 25 years of experience in community newspapers and advertising. A native of Tyler, she began her career at the Tyler Morning Telegraph in 2000 and advanced through multiple roles before becoming advertising director at the Palestine Herald-Press in 2006.
Her career has included work with both family-owned newspapers and larger media companies, with experience in multiple states before returning to Texas. That range, she said, has shaped her approach to leading a statewide group of local publications.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to oversee our operations across the state of Texas,” Farrow said. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of roles, each of which has contributed to my growth and prepared me for this responsibility.”
Farrow said community newspapers remain central to the identity and connection of the towns they serve.
“A community newspaper is the heartbeat of a town,” she said. “For more than 100 years, we’ve seen a lot of change, and 2026 is no different. One of my newspaper mentors once told me, ‘Good communication of ideas is the difference between success and failure,’ and that’s something we carry with us every day. While some things need to evolve, we’re dedicated to making community papers stronger and will be here for decades to come. I’m really excited to share what’s ahead for our communities and our team across the state.”
Working alongside Farrow is Mark Henry, who serves as group manager and brings more than four decades of experience in Texas community journalism.
Henry began his career in 1980 at his hometown newspaper The Huntsville Item. He later worked with several family-owned newspaper groups in Central Texas before moving into leadership roles with Granite Publications, where he served as publisher and later as president.
Henry joined Moser Community Media in 2009. He later became part of the company’s executive leadership team, serving as vice president as the organization expanded to include the 32 newspapers that now make up Texas Local Media.
“You can’t work in these communities across the state for as long as I have and not get attached to the towns, the people, the schools and obviously the hard-working staff members at each and every paper,” Henry said. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with and for some of the smartest, most generous, friendliest, caring and ethical people in the community newspaper business over the years, and I look forward to continuing to do more of the same.”
“One of the wildcards in any acquisition is the people, and whether they share your commitment to doing the job the right way,” Strickbine said. “In Mandy and Mark, we have exactly that. They not only bring experience, but a deep commitment to excellent work and to maintaining the important relationships these publications have with the communities they serve.”
Both Farrow and Henry have spent years working within what is now called Texas Local Media, providing continuity in leadership even as ownership has changed.
