SPRUCE PINE – The Mitchell News-Journal will soon be under new leadership.
News-Journal publisher and editor Brandon Roberts, a native of Kentucky, announced this past week he has taken a job as a digital journalist with Spectrum News in Lexington, Kentucky, and is leaving his position at the paper. His last day is Friday, June 19.
“When I was hired as publisher and editor of the News-Journal, I just knew I would never leave; I love it that much,” Roberts said. “This was one of the more difficult decisions I have made as a journalist. My time in Mitchell County has been the best of my journalism career, and I will miss this newspaper, this town and the people terribly.”
Roberts, 40, started at the News-Journal Monday, April 11, 2016, and immediately began implementing his particular brand of community journalism.
“Brandon has been a real asset to the Mitchell News-Journal and the Spruce Pine community,” said Rachel Hoskins, Franklin Regional Publisher. “We will miss his leadership and his commitment to the community and the newspaper. He has a heart and a talent for community journalism, and it was evident in every edition of the News-Journal that he touched.”
Hoskins, who worked as publisher and editor of the News-Journal in the past, will resume that role on an interim basis until Roberts’ replacement is hired.
“Spruce Pine holds a special place in my heart,” Hoskins said. “As I begin the search for a new publisher to lead the News-Journal team, rest assured I am committed to finding someone who embraces the community and is committed to the same journalistic integrity Brandon brought to every issue of the newspaper.
“We will continue to build on the team he has put together during his tenure here.”