Howard Owens, Director of New Media for the Ventura County Star / E.W. Scripps Co. just announced that he is leaving the Star to become vice president of interactive for the Bakersfield Californian.
Howard says: I'll have increased freedom to pursue innovation, especially in key areas of participatory journalism, deep content and new revenue ideas. As you know, Bakersfield is a leader in innovative new media, but most of those experiments have taken place outside of the core news business. I've been hired to concentrate on that core business and grow both audience and revenue."
Susan sez: I always thought Howard would move into a larger paper, in a larger market--instead, he's going smaller, probably because he appreciates the chance to have strong impact--and accountability.
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Thanks, Susan.
Bakersfield is a great media company that is very much focused on the future. It's a great team. I was super excited that they thought me worthy of joining their effort. Small. Big. That isn't really the issue. We did a lot of great things in Ventura -- and I believe Ventura will continue to innovate -- but Bakersfield just seemed like such a great fit for what I want to do.
I got your phone message today ... deleted it without writing down your number because I thought I'd captured your number in the call log ... but that was a different number. You can call me in the office tomorrow. I'd love to talk with you.
H.