LIVINGSTON – Livingston Parish government will honor the legacy of longtime newspaper publisher Jeff McHugh David by naming a new media studio in his memory, Parish President Randy Delatte announced Wednesday.
The Jeff McHugh David Media Studio will be established to improve public communication and transparency across parish government operations, with an expected opening later this fall or winter.
David served as publisher of the Livingston Parish News for 38 years, after taking over the position formerly held by his father G. Norman David in 1977. He became a cornerstone of local journalism in the parish. Delatte described David as "more than a journalist" in his announcement, calling him "a watchdog, a bridge-builder, and a steady voice when the parish needed it most."
"He believed in local news as a tool to hold government accountable, but also as a way to bring the community together," Delatte said in a Facebook post announcing the tribute. "His work shaped conversations. His leadership shaped progress. And his love for this parish will outlast all of us."
The naming of the studio was done with the blessing of David's family, including his son Jeff McHugh David Jr., who worked with parish officials to move the tribute forward.
"We want to thank his son, Jeff McHugh David Jr., for working with us and allowing this tribute to move forward," Delatte said. "His support means a lot, and we're honored to help carry his father's name into the next chapter of how we serve the public."
The new media studio represents part of the parish's efforts to enhance communication between government and residents. Parish officials said the facility will be used to improve public access to government information and proceedings.
Delatte emphasized that David's impact on the parish extended beyond his role as a newspaper publisher, noting his influence on local progress and community building over nearly four decades.
"Jeff set a standard in this parish," Delatte said. "It's our job now to live up to it."
The parish president described the announcement as a "groundbreaking announcement" for the studio project, with more details about the facility expected to be released in the coming months.
