Shrader, Greg

Interview 272a: In this interview with Jonathan Gerland, Lufkin Daily News Publisher Greg Shrader discusses his career in the newspaper business and the changes in newspapers, journalism, and information delivery. He talks about his early life in Pasadena, college in Austin, and the beginning of his career in newspaper advertising at The Houston Chronicle. Mr. Shrader discusses his moves to papers in Bryan, Texas and Abilene, Texas in the advertising and marketing departments and then his move to Galveston, Texas, Kerrville, Texas and Lufkin, Texas as Publisher. He discusses the changes in how newspapers are printed, how information is delivered to customers, how newspapers are run and staffed, and how they are funded. He also discusses things that have not changed for newspapers, mainly their importance for a community’s safety and identity, their place as a community supporting institution, and the newspaper staff’s (particularly the publisher’s) need to be involved in the community, to care about the community, and to build a relationship with community government, organizations, and citizens based on trust.