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Richard P. Jones Named Publisher of The Indianapolis Recorder

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 10:00 GMT by Indiana Capital Chronicle
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Indianapolis, IN - February 11, 2026 - The Indianapolis Recorder, a cornerstone of the city's Black community for over 130 years, today announced the appointment of Richard P. Jones as its new publisher, signaling a renewed commitment to local journalism and community empowerment. The move is being hailed as a strategic decision to not only maintain the Recorder's legacy but also to propel it forward in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Jones assumes the role effective immediately, bringing with him a distinguished career spanning journalism, communications, and community leadership. His experience is particularly relevant as The Recorder navigates the challenges and opportunities of the digital age while remaining dedicated to its core mission: serving as a vital voice for Indianapolis's Black community.

Most recently, Jones served as senior counsel to the board of directors of WVON Radio in Chicago, a prominent Black-owned radio station with a rich history of community service. This role honed his understanding of media ownership, strategic management, and the critical importance of serving a targeted audience. Prior to WVON, he held the position of vice president of communications for the Chicago chapter of the National Urban League, where he was instrumental in advancing the organization's advocacy efforts and raising awareness of key social justice issues.

Jones's extensive experience isn't limited to media and non-profit sectors. He has also served in key communications roles within government, holding the position of deputy director of communications for the City of Chicago. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of civic engagement and the dynamics of public policy. His journalistic roots are strong, having worked at both the Chicago Defender and the Illinois Business Journal - publications that cover diverse segments of the Chicago area.

Notably, Jones's career also includes significant contributions to public media within Indiana. As vice president of community engagement at Indiana Public Media, he demonstrated a commitment to bridging the gap between media organizations and the communities they serve. This experience is particularly pertinent as The Recorder seeks to expand its reach and strengthen its connections with local residents. Further solidifying his dedication to the press, Jones also served as executive director of the Indiana State Press Association, showcasing a broad understanding of the Indiana media ecosystem and the needs of both large and small publications.

Carolyn M. Duncan, board chair of The Indianapolis Recorder, expressed the board's enthusiasm about the appointment. "Richard brings a proven track record of success to The Indianapolis Recorder," Duncan stated. "We are confident that his expertise and passion for community engagement will lead The Recorder to continued success as we enter this exciting new chapter."

This "exciting new chapter" isn't merely a statement of optimism; it reflects a conscious effort to adapt and innovate. The Recorder, while deeply rooted in tradition, recognizes the need to embrace digital platforms and explore new storytelling methods. The appointment of Jones is expected to accelerate this process, focusing on initiatives like interactive online content, social media engagement, and data-driven journalism. Sources close to the organization indicate plans for increased investigative reporting focused on issues disproportionately impacting the Black community, such as housing inequality, educational disparities, and economic development.

The Indianapolis Recorder's longevity is a testament to its unwavering commitment to reporting on the lives, struggles, and triumphs of Black Indianapolis residents. In a media landscape increasingly dominated by national narratives, The Recorder provides crucial local coverage that often goes unreported elsewhere. The paper's historical archives represent an invaluable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the Black experience in Indianapolis.

Jones's leadership is anticipated to expand these resources and ensure their accessibility to a wider audience. Discussions are underway to digitize the Recorder's extensive archive, making it available online for future generations. Furthermore, the organization is exploring opportunities to partner with local schools and universities to promote media literacy and encourage young people to pursue careers in journalism. The future of The Indianapolis Recorder, under Jones's guidance, appears bright, promising a continued legacy of impactful journalism and unwavering commitment to the community it serves.