Collier named Dayton Daily News publisher
30-year media veteran to lead Cox Enterprises’ three Ohio newspapers.
Jana Collier on Monday was named publisher of Cox Enterprises’ three Ohio newspapers — the Dayton Daily News, the Springfield News-Sun and the Journal-News of Butler County.
Collier has most recently served as interim executive editor and operations leader for the papers as they were in the process of being sold from Cox Media Group back to Cox Enterprises. That sale closed officially on Monday.
“It is such an honor to have this opportunity to lead these incredible newspapers,” Collier said. “We have an amazing team here, and I know we are going to do great work for our customers and for the community.”
Collier is a 30-year media professional who was vice president of content for Cox Media Group Ohio when that company operated the combined news operations of WHIO TV, radio and the newspapers.
She began her career with Cox Enterprises in 1988 as a reporter at the Waco Tribune-Herald and came to Dayton in 2001 as features editor of the Dayton Daily News.
Collier has appointed her
leadership team for the three-newspaper group: Jim Bebbington, editor of the Dayton Daily News; Suzanne Klopfenstein, senior director of sales; Mike Burlingame, senior director of operations: Ashley Bethard, digital director; and Dave Dashewich, finance director.
“Jana will play an integral leadership role in continuing the Cox legacy of reliable, compelling journalism that makes a difference in the communities we serve,” said Donna Hall, the publisher of the Atlanta Journal-Contitution, to whom Collier will report.
Cox Enterprises intends for the Ohio newspapers to operate as a nearly entirely independent business, Hall said.
“The company and family are passionate about continuing to serve the Dayton communities with quality journalism, as we have for over 120 years, and we’re grateful for their continued support and commitment,” Hall said in announcing Collier’s appointment.