January/February 2002
 Volume 6
 Issue 16

The Southern Hires New Managing Editor - Gerald Garcia, Jr. Will Help Newspaper Pursue Strategic Goals

Gerald Garcia, Jr.-- an experienced journalist, editor and publisher-- is bringing his leadership skills to the Managing Editor's post at The Southern. His arrival coincides with a reorienting of the newspaper's strategic goals. Carriers and subscribers both should anticipate improvements in the marketing and editorial packaging of the newspaper, changes designed to make it more relevant and easier to use for subscribers across the region.

According to Publisher Linda Lindus, "the experience that (Garcia) is bringing to our team will help us reach deeper into our markets. Our market strategy includes news zoning so that our readers can find more local news of greater relevance to them. Gerald has participated in zoned operations and as leader and coach will help our Newsroom move more rapidly to zoning."

Additional elements of the strategic plan Mr. Garcia will assist with include: expansion into under-served areas within the region; on-line expansion; and the fortification of strong local and regional news coverage. Mr. Garcia will draw on his experience with the San Bernardino Sun, the Houston Post, The Knoxville Journal and Gannet West Newspaper Group towards those ends. And, he will be given a chance to introduce himself to carriers directly here in Routes in the months ahead. Welcome, Mr. Garcia, we're glad you've joined our team.