By MATT THACKER
Bill Hanson, former publisher of the Times-Tribune in Corbin, Ky., has been named the new publisher of The Evening News.
Eddie Blakeley, vice president and division manager for The Evening News’ parent company, Community Newspaper Holdings Inc., announced the appointment Thursday.
“This is a great area with a lot of opportunities,” Hanson said. “We see a lot of potential here.”
Hanson began his newspaper career 25 years ago in Nebraska as a sports reporter and agriculture editor. Hanson has worked in advertising and editorial departments and as general manager. After working in Nebraska, Wyoming and South Dakota, Hanson spent the last eight years as publisher of the Times-Tribune.
“I’ve worked with Bill for the past eight years, and he’s always impressed me as a good, strong community publisher who understands the wants and needs of the community,” Blakeley said. “Bill is fortunate to inherit a solid management team. He will be surrounded by a professional and hard-working staff.”
Hanson said he discussed the move to Clark County with his wife, Sue, and they felt the timing was right since both of their children are now in college.
Daughter Jesse [Hanson] Fox, 22, is a student at Northern Kentucky University, while 19-year-old son Coltin attends Western Kentucky University.
Hanson said he hopes to build on an already strong product with the newspaper. He believes the goal of every newspaper should be to stay connected to the community and to make its product relevant to readers and advertisers.
“The responsibility of the newspaper is to inform its readers what is going on day to day,” Hanson said. “We have to tackle some tough issues on occasion, and we also get to cover some fun stuff. But we have the responsibility to get information to the masses.”
Hanson, an avid runner who has competed in marathons, said one thing that attracted him to the area is the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
