Publishers Named in Rochester, N.Y., and Greenville, S.C.
ARLINGTON, Va. — Two executive appointments in Gannett’s Newspaper Division were announced today.
— Steven R. Brandt has been named president and publisher of the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat & Chronicle and Times-Union. He previously was publisher of the Greenville (S.C.) News.
— William deB. (Bern) Mebane succeeds Brandt in Greenville. Mebane continues as senior group president of the Piedmont Newspaper Group.
“In the relatively short time Steve Brandt has been with Gannett since the acquisition of Multimedia in December 1995, he has clearly demonstrated he is a knowledgeable newspaper executive and a strong, dynamic leader,” said Gary L. Watson, president of the Newspaper Division.
“His experience and skills are well suited to his new, increased responsibilities in Rochester.”
It was announced last month the afternoon Times-Union will be merged into the morning Democrat & Chronicle this summer. At the same time, a new production facility at Canal Ponds will open.
Brandt succeeds David J. Mack, who resigned earlier this month.
Brandt, 45, joined Multimedia, Inc., in 1978, serving in management roles in Greenville, as well as general manager of the Staunton (Va.) News-Leader from 1981 to 1983. He was named publisher of the Greenville News and Piedmont in 1993.
A native of Harrisburg, Pa., Brandt is a graduate of the University of Virginia and attended graduate school at the University of Missouri. He and his wife, Scottie Lu, have two sons.
“Bern Mebane’s appointment to a publisher’s role, in addition to his Piedmont Group responsibilities, has been a part of the long-range plan since the merger,” Watson said. “This is consistent with our philosophy of group officers also being actively involved in the running of a daily newspaper.”