Alumni Award Profile: Eric NeSmith (ABJ ’02)

Eric NeSmith is the publisher and co-owner at The Bitter Southerner, a media outlet that tells stories about the South through print magazines, books, podcasts and e-commerce.

NeSmith’s background in newspapers began as a child where he worked at his father’s weekly newspaper in Jesup, Georgia. From reporter, to sales, publisher and editor of The Highlander in Highlands, North Carolina, NeSmith leveraged his skills and brought his expertise in newspapers to Community Newspaper Inc., which owns and operates 23 newspapers across Georgia, North Carolina and Florida. NeSmith served as the vice president of Community Newspaper Inc. for eight years and continues to serve on its Board of Directors. NeSmith used his enjoyment and knowledge of journalism, news, print and multimedia to become the publisher and co-owner of The Bitter Southerner in 2016.

In 2013, NeSmith was recognized for his work in journalism by being named in Editor & Publisher’s “25 under 35” list. This recognition highlighted those working in journalism as individuals dedicated to bring excitement, passion, and a cutting-edge to the world of publishing.

NeSmith went on to receive the Daniel M. Phillips Leadership Award at the National Newspaper Association’s 127th Annual Convention that same year. Additionally, he previously served as the president of the board of directors for the Georgia Press Association and past chair of the Grady College Alumni Board. He currently serves on the Grady College Board of Trust.

The following are excerpts from an interview with NeSmith.

What experience at Grady College most prepared you for your career?

It’s a well-worn story of mine, but this experience is what truly defined the rest of my time and path at Grady. When I received my first paper back in the very first class I took taught by Professor Conrad Fink, there was no grade given. “See me” was scrawled across the top in bright red ink.

The pages were just dripping with Professor Fink’s infamous red ink. On the third page, a sentence both circled and underlined caught my eye. In the margin, the note read, “NeSmith, take this sentence around the barn and shoot it.” At that moment, I knew it was going to be a very, very long semester, and as I sat in the hallway outside of his Room 234 office, waiting my turn, I had plenty of time to ponder what was in store for me.

However, after a brief berating of my effort, he gave me a new assignment and opportunity for a rewrite. I did end up getting an A in the class, but more importantly, I signed up and took every single class he taught. Professor Fink saw more in me than I saw in myself at the time, and he demanded my best. Not a day goes by without my falling back on the skills I learned in his classes.

What are the most important skills communicators should master?

Early in my career as a reporter, I learned the importance of two things: the power of preparation and the power of listening – both to what is being said and not said. In order to properly communicate, you have to learn to meet people where they are, or your message will not resonate for impact.

Many times, I had prepared all of the questions I thought needed to be asked in an interview, only to find myself putting them aside, developing a whole new line of questioning based on the feeling in the moment. Had I not been prepared, I wouldn’t have been able to be fluid. Had I not engaged by listening, I wouldn’t have picked up on those cues and been able to tell the story in the way it really needed to be told. Throughout my career, from business meetings to sales pitches, I’ve found these two skills are essential and apply to any number of situations beyond just reporting.

What advice do you have for today’s Grady College students?

Engage. A wonderful benefit of Grady is that you have top-tier professors in each major, right at your fingertips.

From my personal experience, trust me when I say that they are there to help mold you into the professional you want to be – to challenge and push you to be your best. The more you engage, the more you will receive. And remember that you are not alone. As a student and future Grady grad, you will be  plugged into a network of leaders – giants within their respective fields.

Throughout our nation and world, you will find very few places where Grady grads have not made their mark. Whether it’s engaging in the mentorship program or simply reaching out to a grad in your field of interest, you will find insight and an open ear to aid you on your way. Finally, when you graduate, remember to stay engaged and give back in any way you can. From my time on the Alumni Board to currently serving on the Board of Trust, I have made lifelong connections and friendships that I value deeply and would not have otherwise had the opportunity to make. 

What does this recognition mean to you?

It is both humbling and a true honor. When Dean Cully Clark reconstituted the alumni board, I was fortunate to be asked to serve. One of our main tasks in those formative years was setting up the selection process for these awards. I know firsthand the amount of work that goes into this process and the caliber of recipients I now join, and to be selected really means the world to me. Quite frankly, I have not yet fully found the words to express how honored and grateful I am.

The 2026 Fellowship Inductees will be recognized along with the 2026 Alumni Award recipients during the annual Grady Salutes event. This year’s Grady Salutes will be a luncheon on Friday, March 27.

Editor: Anyi Morfaw, abm40431@uga.edu