SPENCER, W.Va. (WV News) — WV News, the state’s largest multimedia company, has expanded its footprint with the purchase of Spencer Newspapers, owner and President Brian Jarvis announced. “We are excited to be in the position of being able to continue the legacy of Spencer Newspapers and longtime owners the[Read More…]
Newspaper Industry News
The Newspaper Industry News category contains information about our industry, other press associations and other newspaper-related articles.
Veteran journalist Roger Adkins named to lead Spencer Newspapers for WV News
WV News SPENCER, W.Va. (WV News) — WV News has hired veteran journalist Roger Adkins to lead its latest acquisition, Spencer Newspapers, as the company expands its community journalism footprint. Adkins, a Roane County native and graduate of Roane County High School, previously worked for WV News and several other[Read More…]
Ray named managing editor for HD Media’s weekly publications
West Virginia native Richie Ray has been named the managing editor for HD Media’s family of weekly publications. Ray replaces Phil Perry, who was recently promoted to president of the media company. Ray started his career with HD Media in 2023 as a freelance graphic designer. He was hired on[Read More…]
Perry named president of HD Media, publisher of Herald-Dispatch, Gazette-Mail weeklies
Coal Valley News CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Veteran journalist and Boone County native Phil Perry has been named president of HD Media, which publishes The Herald-Dispatch, the Charleston Gazette-Mail and a host of weekly publications across West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio. Perry, 53, succeeds Doug Skaff Jr., who died in a[Read More…]
In Loving Memory of Doug Skaff Jr. (1976–2025)
West Virginia Press Association It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Doug Skaff Jr., a beloved leader, visionary, husband, father, and friend. Doug tragically passed away on June 10, 2025, in a car accident in Lewis County, West Virginia. He was 48 years old. Doug Skaff[Read More…]
Doug Skaff Jr., president of the Gazette-Mail, former WV delegate, dead at 48
Charleston Gazette-Mail CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Doug Skaff, Jr., a former state delegate and the president of HD Media, which publishes the Charleston Gazette-Mail, died Tuesday in a vehicle crash in Lewis County. He was 48. Details about the crash, which shut down the southbound lanes of Interstate 79 near Mile[Read More…]
Former WV newspaper owner, WVU journalism professor, Jerry Ash, passes in Florida
Gerald W. “Jerry” Ash, 85, died May 9, 2025, in Sun City Center, Fla, where he lived the past 26 years. He was born June 3, 1939, in Clarksburg, W.Va., and was adopted at birth by Minnie Pearl Hibbs Ash and Forest Earl Ash of Bridgeport, W.Va. A 1957 graduate[Read More…]
West Virginia Press Association welcomes Lauren Phillips as new Office Manager and Communications Specialist
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Press Association (WVPA) is excited to announce a new edition to our team, Lauren Phillips. Lauren became the new Office Manager and Communications Specialist on May 13. “Stella, Jack, and I are extremely excited to work with Lauren, who brings great experiences and energy to[Read More…]
West Virginia Press Association joins nationwide coalition to champion local newspapers
ORLANDO, FL — At the 2025 Mega-Conference, America’s Newspapers announced the formation of the State Advocacy Coalition (ANSAC) — a unified alliance of press associations and newspaper advocacy organizations coming together to protect and promote the role of local newspapers in their communities. The West Virginia Press Association joined with[Read More…]
Eric Cravey named editor of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph and Register-Herald
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Eric Cravey, editor of the Times West Virginian, has broadened his responsibilities to regional editor of the Bluefield Daily Telegraph and The Register-Herald in Beckley. The newspapers’ regional publisher, Terri Hale, announced Cravey’s new role in southern West Virginia. He has served as editor of the Times[Read More…]