Armstrong Named Publisher of Contra Costa Newspapers

By: E&P Staff Knight Ridder named John Armstrong publisher of Contra Costa Newspapers. He replaces George Riggs, who was appointed publisher of the San Jose Mercury News yesterday.

Armstrong currently serves as editor and vice president of Contra Costa Newspapers. He was publisher of the Escondido (Calif.) Times-Advocate for 17 years, and, prior to that, he worked as a bureau chief for the Associated Press.

"John's arrival in Contra Costa was coincidental with Knight Ridder's purchase of the Contra Costa Times, and we have been the fortunate beneficiaries ever since," said Riggs in a statement. "As his background suggests, John's abilities range well beyond editorial: he understands all of the operations; he knows the importance of both revenue growth and cost discipline; he is a sound strategic thinker; and he knows the market well. Recently, he led a sub committee of Knight Ridder editors in an effort to identify newsroom efficiencies that could be applied across the company."

Armstrong will report to Riggs. He starts his new position at the end of the year.