• by Sara Guaglione , July 1, 2016

Gannett announced today that Chris Stegman has been named president of its publication Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

He succeeds Betsy Brenner, who is retiring after more than 11 years at the Journal Sentinel. Stegman begins his new job July 11.

“Chris cares deeply about our journalism and also understands intimately the digital transformation of the media business,” stated Karen Ferguson Fuson, West Group president of domestic publishing at Gannett.

Stegman is currently Gannett West Group vice president of sales. His new position signals his return to the Midwest, where his career in media began in 1995 as a territory sales executive with Advo Inc. in Indianapolis.

According to a report by the Journal Sentinel, Stegman said the mission of the newspaper will stay the same. "Media habits and consumption have definitely changed over the years, and we've changed with it," he said. "But what has not changed is our role in the community."

Stegman also revealed his first priorities as Journal Sentinel president: “I'm going to ask a lot of questions.... I want to find out as much as I can and then find out where we have opportunities and then work with the team on developing opportunities.”

In April, Publishers Daily reported that Gannett had acquired Journal Media Group, the parent company of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and 14 other newspapers, for about $280 million. Gannett said the Journal Media Group purchase would add approximately $450 million in annual revenue.