Allison Shirk, director of digital content and engagement for WEHCO Media, Inc., will step into a new role in August as vice president of content & newsroom strategy for the company's newspapers.
“It has been an amazing career and experience for me at WEHCO since I joined the company in 2018,” Shirk said in an emailed statement. “The core values and leadership of this company are so unique in today's local news landscape, and I consider myself lucky to be a part of it. I've enjoyed getting to know all of the newsroom leaders and many of the staff over the last few years in my current role, and I know together we will do incredible things moving forward.”
In an email to staff, WEHCO Media Inc. Publisher Eliza Gaines said Shirk, in her new role, will strengthen collaboration across markets, drive audience growth, foster innovation and support philanthropic initiatives company wide.
“I'm excited for Allison to step into this expanded role,” Gaines said in an email statement. “She brings deep newsroom experience and is committed to serving readers trustworthy, engaging, local journalism that makes a difference in people's everyday lives. Allison will work closely with editors and reporters to shape content strategies that will drive community impact and expand our reach.”
Shirk will start her new role on Aug. 19 and will be based in Little Rock but will regularly travel to other WEHCO newspaper markets.
“The only constant in this industry is change, and our newsrooms have worked hard to meet our readers where they are the last several years,” Shirk said. “I'm looking forward to building on all the great work that's come before, and I'm excited to help lead and be a part of the next chapter.”
A search continues to fill two top newsroom posts — a managing editor for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and a new editorial leader for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Alyson Hoge retired as managing editor in early July after 46 years with the the Arkansas Democrat and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Lisa Thompson, a newspaper veteran who began her career in 1983, is resigning from her post as executive editor for Northwest Arkansas Newspapers effective Monday.
Hoge has yet to be replaced. Dave Perozek, managing editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, will serve as the interim newsroom leader in Northwest Arkansas. WEHCO Media, Inc. holdings include newspapers, cable television systems and internet service.
