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Beth Jones – Legacy of excellence in local sports journalism
Some people talk about the magic of small town journalism. Beth Jones lives and breathes it, and for 35 years he’s been teaching us the rest of us what it really means.
When Beth enters our newsroom, she brings more than just a score and a highlight of the game. She brings a story that will tilt you closer to you – she sees her next Olympic skateboarding full of hope. She shares success as she was mostly in elementary and middle school, so she is excited to share photos of her senior who just signed a document to begin her college sports journey. The university’s signature event will not be completed until Beth Jones takes a group photo.
Beth’s cameras have captured countless touchdowns, home runs and game-winning shots throughout the 30 and a half years. But even more importantly, she captured the heart of Nassau County Sports. From Yulee to Fernandina Beach, she knows every field, every gym, and every story behind every athlete she covers.
When our own Porpingson was competing in the Olympics in Paris, we all looked with pride. But Beth? She texted Poe and her father during the event, sharing her excitement, which celebrated each of her adventures as she herself. It’s the classic Beth. He personalizes all local stories while keeping her journalistic integrity intact.
In an industry where staff revenue is measured in months, Beth measured tenure with generations of athletes. She doesn’t just cover sports. It records the history of Nassau County’s Heartbeat, one game, one athlete, one story at a time.
That’s the real beauty of having Beth Jones as a sports editor. Every day she reminds us that great journalism is there, about being trusted and being part of the community you serve.
Tracy Dishman is the editor of the newsreader.
