News-Leader bans PRIDE coverage

Just days after the city celebrated diversity in the community, The Fernandina News Leader has notified local PRIDE officials it will not publish news or editorials regarding the organization.

News-Leader reporter Julia Roberts said in an email to PRIDE President Jordan Morris that the newspaper would not write about PRIDE.

"I hate even typing these words, but our publisher has made the decision not to allow us to write about Pride. We pleaded our case, but he was not to be convinced," Roberts wrote in the email Monday.

Roberts was responding to a press release Morris had submitted about the annual PRIDE Festival held last Saturday at Central Park which was preceded by a parade.

"I think (hope?) you understand this is NOT my idea. I loved attending and participating. I will continue to support you in any way I can. I also think what you wrote would make an excellent letter to the editor if you would like. It's well written and I really like it. Let me know if that's what you want," Roberts said in the email.

Todd Frantz joined the newspaper as publisher last March.

Among the newspapers he has worked for are the Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Daily Herald in Provo, Utah, News-Tribune in Jefferson City, Missouri, the Tri-City Herald in Kennewich, Washington and the San Angelo Standard-Times in San Angelo, Texas.

The Observer has emailed Frantz for a comment regarding the newspaper's decision not to cover news about PRIDE.

"Typically, we at least get coverage in the calendar section, so I was surprised that I didn't see any mention of Pride in the News Leader in the weeks leading up to the event. Now it makes sense," Morris said. "A publisher's decision not to cover a major city parade and event - or simply acknowledge that it happened - because it makes them uncomfortable creates a very slippery slope and, frankly, a local media crisis that should be extremely concerning to all subscribers and advertisers. Cherry picking news stories is a practice of fringe, partisan publication. As president of Pride, a city resident and a News Leader subscriber, I'm very concerned for our community."

Under Frantz' leadership, the newspaper has shifted coverage to a more conservative approach to local news and issue. Editor Tracy Dishman recently resigned over the new direction of the newspaper.

In 2024 and 2023, the News-Leader published a photo slide show of the parade with bylines attributed to Dishman and the newspaper staff.

“As you may be aware, the News-Leader is undergoing changes with new publishers who are taking the publication in a direction that conflicts with the journalistic values, integrity and community focus I’ve championed during my tenure. Given these irreconcilable differences, I have moved forward in my career and am excited about new opportunities that align with both my personal and professional convictions,” Dishman wrote in an email to News-Leader staff.

Publisher Todd Frantz

"I am proud to report that Fernandina Beach Pride's fifth annual parade and festival was a great success. We welcomed our largest crowd to date (approx. 3,000 people) to witness our longest parade to date and enjoy a celebration of love, acceptance and community in the heart of Fernandina Beach," Morris wrote in the press release. "There were no reported protests, security issues or incidents, which is a strong testament to the fine work of the Fernandina Beach Police Department, the Police Auxiliary Corps and our dedicated team of passionate volunteers. It is also a testament to the people who attended and participated in the day's events."