By: Joe Strupp Two days after its former publisher resigned, The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne, Ind., announced it has appointed Michael J. Christman, publisher of two West Virginia papers, to publish the daily.
Ogden Newspapers, which owns 40 dailies as well as other publications, announced the appointment of Christman. He had served as publisher of The Sentinel and The Parkersburg News, both Ogden-owned properties in Parkersburg W.V. The publisher change comes just three months after Ogden purchased the News-Sentinel from The McClatchy Company, which acquired it earlier this year as part of its takeover of Knight Ridder.
Christman, 40, also will serve as CEO of Fort Wayne Newspapers, which oversees business operations for the joint operating agreement between The News-Sentinel and The Journal Gazette. He assumes his new job immediately, the paper reported Wednesday.
"I am pleased that Mike has accepted the challenge of managing our newest newspaper operation. He has prepared for this job by heading one of our best newspaper groups for the past six years," Robert M. Nutting, president and CEO of Ogden Newspapers, said in today's News-Sentinel. "At Parkersburg, he has successfully managed acquisitions and the installation of a new press. He brings to Fort Wayne a strong level of knowledge and experience in every facet of the newspaper business. And, he understands our company's commitment to providing leadership and being advocates for growth in the communities in which we publish newspapers."
Christman replaces Steven T. Broas, who announced his resignation Monday, the News-Sentinel reported, adding that he "plans to explore other options in the newspaper industry."
Christman started his career in 1990 with Ogden Newspapers, and has served as a publisher since 1998 when he was named publisher of The Salem (Ohio) News. In 2000, he became publisher of the Parkersburg papers.
"I am looking forward to joining Fort Wayne Newspapers Inc., an outstanding newspaper operation," Christman said in a statement. "The investment being made in the new printing facility is an indication of a long-term commitment to the newspaper industry in Fort Wayne. Two great newspapers and a brand-new facility to print them in makes this an exciting opportunity for me."
A 1988 graduate of Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va., Christman worked with the auditing firm of Ernst & Young in Cleveland before joining Ogden, the paper stated.
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