A new publisher was announced today at the Duluth News Tribune, which has been without one since late winter.
Ken Browall, general manager of the newspaper since October, was named to the top job by Forum Communications Co., which owns the News Tribune and its four affiliated community papers, including the Superior Telegram.
"We could have easily named Ken in March, but we were trying to weigh all of our options. ... Maybe he might be a good fit somewhere else," said Steve McLister, vice president of newspapers for the company. "It became increasingly clear to us that we had the best person for the job, and he was already there."
In March, Forum announced that it had no immediate plans to name a new publisher because of the declining economy. But McLister said the situation has stabilized a bit across the entire company.
Browall, 45, has been with the News Tribune for nearly a decade. Before becoming general manager, he was publisher of the Superior Daily Telegram and general manager of the News Tribune's community newspaper group. He served as the News Tribune's director of circulation and production before that.
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Browall said that the newspaper has gone through a difficult year but that he's optimistic about the future with an improving economy.
"Our franchise is local news, and we do that very well," he said. "We're fortunate to be with a company that is very well-managed ... financially, so we're not facing greater challenges" that other newspapers are facing.
Browall plans on playing a stronger role in the community with businesses and organizations.
McLister said it was never Forum's intention to keep the News Tribune without a publisher permanently, saying the title is a cornerstone for daily newspapers.
"The position of publisher, it is a sign of stability within our news organizations," he said.
News Tribune Executive Editor Rob Karwath said Browall is committed to the News Tribune and its community papers, as well as to the area.
"He's been a good newspaper manager, and he loves newspapers," Karwath said. "I think he'll be a good steward of the News Tribune."
