Rex Nelson Reflects on Decades of Journalism at Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Rex Nelson, a prominent figure in Arkansas journalism, has served as senior editor and columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette since 2017. He is also known for his biweekly podcast, “Southern Fried,” where he discusses regional issues and stories.
A graduate of Ouachita Baptist University in 1981, Nelson launched his career as a sportswriter for the Arkansas Democrat, quickly rising to become the youngest editor of a daily newspaper in Arkansas at just 23 years old when he took the helm at the Daily Siftings Herald in Arkadelphia. His media journey continued with a stint as the news and sports director at KVRC-KDEL from 1983 to 1985, before returning to the Democrat as assistant sports editor.
In the late 1980s, he became the paper’s Washington correspondent. While he later worked as a consultant for notable Arkansas businessman Jackson T. Stephens, Nelson was appointed the Democrat-Gazette’s first political editor in 1992. His career took another turn when he joined former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s office in 1996 and later worked under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2009.
Afterward, Nelson held various roles in communication and education before returning to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, where he continues to influence state politics and beyond through his writings and analysis. His extensive experience, encompassing local, state, and national politics, positions him as a key voice in Arkansas media, contributing to a deeper understanding of Southern culture and issues through his podcast and columns.
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