Lots of Fort Wayne media news in the last few days. First, News-Sentinel publisher Mary Jacobus is leaving the paper to go take over the Boston Globe. From the story written by executive editor Linda Austin:
News-Sentinel Publisher Mary Jacobus, who started her career as a secretary in a newspaper circulation department, will become president and general manager of The Boston Globe on Jan. 9.
In her new job, she will direct all business operations for an enterprise with $500 million in annual revenues, reporting directly to Publisher Richard H. Gilman.
[...]
Jacobus said her departure has nothing to do with the uncertainty surrounding the possible sale of Knight Ridder, the nation’s second-largest newspaper chain, based in San Jose, Calif.
“The job in Boston was simply an exceptional opportunity for me and my family,” she said. The Boston Globe is owned by The New York Times Co.
Knight Ridder, which owns The News-Sentinel and 31 other daily newspapers, put itself up for sale last month after its three largest stockholders said it needed to do more to increase shareholder value.
Jacobus' departure means some changes are in store at the paper. Odds are good that Austin will either be bumped up to Jacobus' post or leave the paper.
And Granite Broadcasting has hired a replacement for former news director Don Bradley. Here's the email from Jerry Giesler to the staff at the station:
I am very proud to announce today that Mr. Peter Neumann, currently the News Director at WEAR-TV and WGFX-TV in Pensacola, Florida has agreed to join the team at Indiana’s NewsCenter as our News Director. Many of you met Peter during his brief visit here two weeks ago.
Peter is a modest person, so I will tell you that he is one of the most tenured news directors in America, with 21 successful years at one station alone, not to mention a wealth of background in markets such as Indianapolis, Phoenix, and a stint in Germany working with a network in that country.
He has strong roots in Indiana. Not only did he work in Indianapolis, but he and his wife, Phyllis, both graduated from Ball State, where Peter was named “Alumnus of the Year” by the Telecommunications Department in 2004. He and Phyllis have family in Indiana, so they are doubly pleased to be coming.
He has a reputation for innovative coverage, having covered and experienced over a dozen hurricanes, including the devastation of Ivan a couple of years ago. He has built a station in Pensacola that has garnered many regional coverage awards. During Hurricane Ivan his station produced 40 hours of non-stop commercial free coverage.
He is at once one of the strongest traditional journalists and most innovative thinkers I have had the pleasure of meeting
He is a great teacher, and knows how to do every job in the building.
Peter will be joining the staff on January 16th, but I’m certain his impact on our February planning will be felt well before that date.
Please join me in making him feel welcome.
Mr. Neumann was kind enough to share a few thoughts about what we are trying to do here in Fort Wayne, and I will let his clarity of thinking, philosophy and writing speak for itself:
“My wife’s family lives in Indiana, both of us attended Ball State University, and I’ve worked previously in Indianapolis. So the Hoosier state has always been very close to our hearts. Phyllis has all of James Whitcomb Riley’s books of poems and writings. Indiana’s charm is special to us both. A photo I cherish is on my office credenza, of my wife standing before a 10 ft. tall corn row in Shelbyville, and another of her in a heavy snow fall at Falls Park in Pendleton.”
“Indiana’s NewsCenter is a concept of modern communication, not just a nifty name. For many people, local television news has become irrelevant, trivial and predictable. Viewers to Indiana’s NewsCenter will see differences, and they’ll see information that has real a benefit to them and their families – and compel them to watch often.”
“Many in our business have forgotten that we have a responsibility to our viewers, and to our communities. Through our coverage and special programming, we have the ability to make the Ft. Wayne area a better place to live. We have to do more that just cover fires and mayhem. Viewers want depth, and understanding. This has been a hallmark of our coverage at WEAR-TV in Pensacola. From specials, to sustaining coverage”
“Indiana’s NewsCenter will use non-traditional ways to serve viewers. No one has a monopoly on ideas. Especially people in news. Our viewers will be a big part of shaping Indiana’s NewsCenter.”
“Indiana’s NewsCenter is blessed to have a cadre of knowledgeable and talented anchors and reporters unmatched in the Ft. Wayne market. Maximizing their talents in this new environment will give the viewer a unique benefit and an actionable perspective.”
“News is different every day. That I like about the nature of the job, but what fuels my love for news is the idea that today, I can help someone.”
Jerry L. Giesler
Executive Vice President
Fort Wayne Operations
Here's hoping Neumann will bring the changes to the news operation that so many Indiana's News Center staffers are desperate for.
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