Macon native Micah Johnston named editor and publisher of The Telegraph
Hometown journalist will lead the newsroom and its community engagement efforts as the publication prepares to celebrate its bicentennial
The Georgia Trust for Local News today announced that Micah Johnston, a proud Macon native and graduate of Mercer University, will step into the newly created role of editor and publisher of The Telegraph newspaper.
Prior to the Georgia Trust for Local News’ purchase of The Telegraph in July, Johnston served as the interim editor of The Macon Melody, which merged with The Telegraph following the acquisition. Johnston was named interim editor of the combined newsroom in July and now takes on the permanent leadership position.
As editor and publisher, Johnston will lead the newsroom; build relationships with civic leaders and business owners; and cultivate the community support that guides and sustains The Telegraph’s work.
"What stands out about Micah is his passion,” said Cynthia DuBose, executive director of the Georgia Trust for Local News. "His passion not only for this newsroom and his colleagues, but also for the city of Macon. That dedication will drive our community-oriented coverage as we build on The Telegraph’s legacy and establish a strong foundation for its future.”
Johnston attended Central High School before enrolling at Mercer. He started his journalism career with The Telegraph as a general assignment, crime and sports reporter. He joined The Melody at its founding in 2024. As sports editor of The Melody, he led a vibrant local sports section covering 14 local high schools, along with the Mercer Bears and local teams like the Macon Mayhem and Macon Bacon. He also wrote the newspaper’s daily newsletter, The Riff.
"I can’t say enough how excited I am to lead a newsroom in my hometown,” Johnston said. "The Telegraph was a part of my life growing up here, and I care a great deal about the newspaper and this city. Having the opportunity to shape this new era of The Telegraph in a way that will benefit the place I call home is nothing short of incredible.”
Johnston takes the helm at The Telegraph at a historic moment, as the newspaper prepares to celebrate 200 years of serving Macon and Bibb County on Nov. 2 — a milestone that underscores the newspaper’s enduring role in the community.
“The Telegraph is an institution here in Macon, and while journalism continues to evolve, our mission remains the same: to strengthen the community through quality, hyperlocal journalism that helps people better understand the place they live in,” Johnston said. “Our journalists are plugged into what matters most to the community. We’ll continue to build relationships, make sure people’s voices are heard and prioritize community engagement as we mark a new century of local journalism in Macon.”
