Whiteville, NC – Les High and Stuart High Rogers have sold The News Reporter newspaper in Whiteville, North Carolina, to Justin Smith, current editor of the paper according to Dolph Tillotson of Cribb, Cope & Potts who assisted the High family in the transaction.

High said there was “no way to express the gratitude I have for the dedicated people who have worked at The News Reporter. We’ve been through so many stories of triumph and tragedy together. Our industry has seen a lot of disruption, but our advertising, business, circulation, and production staffs have not shied away from innovation. It is truly a family that will always be tied together by our mission to serve our readers and community. The good news about this transition to Justin (Smith) is that the paper still remains in The News Reporter family.”
“I am honored that Les and Stuart have the confidence in me to carry on an institution that is so important to their family and to our community,” Smith said. “The Thompson-High family is known across North Carolina and beyond for courage and excellence in journalism,” Smith said, “and I intend to build on that tradition and honor their legacy.”
Dolph Tillotson, who assisted the sellers said, “It was a real pleasure for me to work with Les and Becky High and with Stuart Rogers, first in assessing the business’s strengths and opportunities and then representing the family after their decision to sell. Justin Smith, the buyer, is an exceptionally bright man, and he’s committed to producing a quality community newspaper. This is one of those situations where the seller, the buyer and the community all stand to benefit from the transaction.”

Cribb, Cope & Potts is a leading merger and acquisition firm with offices in Arkansas, Montana, and California.