Livingston Parish Government has a new way to put information in front of the people.
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026 parish officials unveiled the new 'Jeff McHugh David Media Studio' located on the first floor of the parish permitting office and health unit in Livingston.
"Today, we gather to honor a man who work helped shape Livingston Parish for nearly four decades," Parish President Randy Delatte said in his opening remarks. "It is only fitting that this new media studio will carry the name of 'Jeff McHugh David.'
"Jeff wasn't just the publisher of the Livingston Parish News," Delatte continued, "He was a trusted voice in our community. He believed that local journalism mattered, than an informed public made for a stronger parish. He held government accountable, asked the hard questions that needed to be asked and - just as importantly - he celebrated the people, businesses, schools, and events that make Livingston Parish such a special place to call home."
Parish President Delatte sat down with Jeff McHugh David Jr., current Executive Director of the Louisiana Press Association as well as publisher of the Livingston Parish News, at the event to discuss a few questions surrounding the room - most importantly, 'is this intended to take the place of local media?'
"Not at all," Delatte said quickly, "this 'action room' is about improving communication and transparency."
Delatte said he believed that it's a journalists job to chronicle what was said in that room and 'ask the tough questions, provide indepdent coverage, and tell the full story.' In Delatte's mind, the information gathered by the parish and delivered in the studio is simply step one in informing the public, and it was journalists whose job it was to take it a step further.
According to Delatte, the room is designed to give a more professional atmosphere for press conferences, news announcements, and for public officials to provide information to the public. The space includes professional lighting, sound equipment, changeable backdrops, and serves as a dedicated interview space.
Media can even sub out their own equipment, as needed, including specialty video and still-photo cameras.
Use of the room will be available to all Livingston Parish public officials, including parish administration, department heads, and elected officials - including members of the parish council. It will also serve as the communications center during emergencies and natural disasters, giving media a space to perform interviews and work on their content without having to work in 'crowded rooms' or 'packed hallways.'
When asked, specifically, about benefits to Livingston Parish residents, Delatte leaned on his office and public works, stating that there would be 'better communication about projects, road work, public meetings, and emergency information.'
Delatte recalled a story, when asked why they chose Jeff McHugh David as the name for the studio, from the early 1990s when he served as president of the (then) Livingston Parish Police Jury. Delatte said he called David and tried to 'strong arm him a bit,' quickly finding out that David was not one to take being pushed lightly.
"He told me 'Don't push someone who buys their ink by the barrell," Delatte recalled with a chuckle, an old saying among newspaper publishers about the permanence of what - and how much - was put on paper.
Jeff McHugh David took over as publisher of the (then) Denham Springs News in 1977, two days after his father died of a heart attack on the golf course. That day, whether he realized it or not, David not only established a legacy as the longest serving publisher in the history of the paper (38 years) but he would become an influential member of the community during that time.
In the newspaper world, publishers across the country referred to David as a 'Godfather' type figure. He was a member of both the Louisiana Press Association and National Newspaper Association, serving as board president of both organizations and participating as an active member of their legislative committees and activist opportunities.
David didn't just participate in the newspaper ecosystem, however. He often said that a community 'put out what you put in,' and he meant it by working hard to leave a lasting impression on the parish. David was a founding member of the Amite River Basin Commission; President of the Board of the Chamber of Commerce; President of the Board of the Livingston Parish Economic Development Council (and a post-humous honoree of the Bob Easterly award); President of the local Rotary Club (which had been established by his father); as well as a spearhead for the highly successful Bass Pro development, wherein David wrote consistent columns supporting the measure, worked the legislature, and ran a phone bank out of the Livingston Parish News offices to help inform voters directly on the facts surrounding the TIF - a financing mechanism that was paid off in half the time.
"Jeff believed in the importance of informed citizens," Delatte said. "He championed transparency, accountability, and strong local communication - this studio reflects those same values.
"May the 'Jeff McHugh David Media Studio' serve as a lasting reminder that honest communication, public service, and a love for this community can leave a legacy that endures for generations," Parish President Delatte said in closing.
Also in attendance were David's widow and former co-publisher of the News, Nancy David, as well as his daughter Ashleigh Vasquez and Granddaughter Elizabeth Baudoin.
