Who We Are
ETX Hometown Media is a full-service media, marketing, and publishing company dedicated to telling the stories of East Texas while helping local businesses grow. We combine the credibility of traditional print journalism with the speed and precision of modern digital marketing so our clients can reach audiences of every age and demographic. From strategic storytelling and community news to advanced digital advertising, website development, and social media management, we create marketing systems that are rooted in local values and built for long-term success.
Our approach is simple: blend legacy media with innovative technology to deliver real, measurable results. As the home of The ETX Bell, we preserve the tradition of community journalism and print publishing while expanding into powerful digital tools such as GEO-targeting, SEO, AIO optimization, programmatic advertising, and video production. This hybrid strategy allows us to meet people where they are—whether that’s reading the newspaper, scrolling on social media, watching online video, listening to a podcast, or engaging with local events. Our multi-platform model ensures that your message isn’t just delivered—it’s seen, heard, remembered, and acted upon.
At our core, we are storytellers, marketers, educators, and community partners. Through ETX Bloom, ETX Flora, ETX Cultivate, ETX Shine, ETX Glow, and ETX Publishing, we offer a complete suite of media and marketing services designed to help businesses grow authentically. We work side-by-side with local organizations, nonprofits, churches, and business owners to create meaningful content, build strong brands, and develop communication strategies that resonate with the people of East Texas. Whether you need print, digital, web design, SEO, social media, video, podcasts, or consulting, ETX Hometown Media provides the tools, technology, and expertise to help your story thrive.
Our Team
Shawn Larson — Owner & Publisher
Shawn Larson is a seasoned media professional with more than 25 years of experience in multimedia communications, publishing, and community journalism. He serves as the Founder, Publisher, and Managing Editor of ETX Hometown Media, where he leads strategy, creative direction, and business development across all print and digital platforms.
Shawn’s background includes a decade of running weekly newspapers, magazines, and special editions; overseeing newsroom operations; building multimedia studios; and producing digital content that grows visibility and community engagement. His expertise spans Adobe Suite, video production, web development, SEO, marketing strategy, and business consulting. Before launching ETX Hometown Media, Shawn worked with Northeast Texas Publishing LP, The Hoxie Sentinel, and LiteHouse Media, and also founded multiple small businesses including an e-commerce company and a local café.
Deeply invested in community development, Shawn has collaborated extensively with civic organizations, chambers of commerce, charities, and faith-based groups. He is committed to blending traditional journalism with modern technology to build a sustainable, community-centered media network that serves all of East Texas.
Mary Larson — Reporter / Distribution
Bio pending or to be provided.
Elizabeth Klaver — Managing Editor
Elizabeth Klaver is a junior in college majoring in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Journalism and a minor in Legal Studies. A graduate of Linden-Kildare High School, she discovered her passion for reporting while interning at The Cass County Sun. Since then, Elizabeth has expanded her experience through her work with The ETX Bell, where she contributes reporting, editorial writing, and community storytelling.
She also completed a journalism workshop through the Texas Center for Community Journalism, further strengthening her skills in coverage, interviewing, and news writing. Elizabeth brings a sharp editorial eye, strong communication skills, and a natural talent for highlighting the people and stories of East Texas.
Joey Larson — Photographer / Web Editor / Video Production
Joey Larson is a growing multimedia creator with three years of hands-on experience in video editing, podcast production, and digital content creation. He has completed college-level workshops on podcasting through the Texas Center for Community Journalism and continues to study emerging media methods.
Joey works extensively with OBS Studio and Adobe Premiere Pro, contributing to multiple video shoots, podcast episodes, and digital media projects for ETX Hometown Media. He also manages updates and maintenance for the ETX Bell website. His technical skill and creative instincts make him a vital part of our production team.
Joshua Larson — Public Relations / Social Media Strategy
Joshua Larson serves as ETX Hometown Media’s Public Relations Manager and was instrumental in building the company from its earliest stages. He brings strong skills in journalism, business management, and organizational communication.
Joshua completed Meta’s Social Media Marketing certification, giving him platform-verified expertise in social strategy, audience engagement, and analytics. He is well-read in business creation and management, and applies that knowledge daily as he helps guide branding, messaging, and client communications. Joshua also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Bullard Chamber of Commerce, where he helps support local business growth and community engagement.
David Smith — Photographer / Videographer
Bio pending or to be provided.
Gracie Broomfield — Reporter
Bio pending or to be provided.
Robin Gamble — Reporter / Arts & Entertainment
Robin Gamble is a fourth-grade ELAR and Social Studies teacher at Arp Elementary and a contributor to ETX Hometown Media. She holds a Master of Education degree from Louisiana Tech University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Robin is a newcomer to Texas, now living in Whitehouse with her husband, Stuart.
Her journalism background, combined with her love for the arts and education, makes her a thoughtful and insightful reporter. Outside the newsroom, Robin enjoys crocheting, reading, and playing guitar and bass. Her diverse experiences and passion for storytelling bring depth and creativity to our Arts & Entertainment coverage.
Stuart Gamble — Entertainment Reporter
Bio pending or to be provided.
Courtney Smith — Reporter
Bio pending or to be provided.