Benner named publisher of Times Record, area weeklies

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Ronald Benner has been named senior group publisher for the Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.) and area weekly papers, including the Press Argus-Courier, Booneville Democrat, Paris Express, Charleston Express and Alma Journal, as well as monthly publication Greenwood Life.

Benner, 39, replaces Crystal Costa, who accepted a new position with GateHouse Media in May.

Benner comes to Fort Smith from Coos Bay, Ore., where he served in a similar role with Lee Enterprises as general manager/publisher of The World, a daily newspaper. He also served as advertising director for Southwest Oregon Publishing and Mid-Valley Media Group. He has served as vice president of the Coos Bay Lions Club and as a board member of the Bay Area Chamber Political Action Team and Travel Southern Oregon Coast.

Benner had early ties to the newspaper business, working as a delivery boy when he was growing up. Benner also dabbled in writing early on and recalled using the newspaper for "life skills" assignments in school, including using the classifieds to find job openings to set up mock job interviews. That kind of exposure to newspapers stuck with him after he graduated and entered the business world, he said.

Benner says he is eager to meet with area leaders and establish a line of communication with the public. He sees newspapers as not only a product that fills a need but also as a link to local residents.

"It's our job to be good stewards of the community, regardless of whether you're a subscriber or an advertiser," Benner said. He added that he is big on feedback from the community and wants to know what readers are "thirsty" for from the newspaper.

Times Record Advertising Director Julie Newman said she and the Times Record staff are looking forward to working with Benner.

"We're excited to welcome RJ to joining our team here in Fort Smith," Newman said. "We look forward to him bringing a fresh perspective and approach to our community."

"Ronald has brought in a lot of enthusiasm to the Times Record already," said Executive Editor Mardi Taylor. "He has a lot of great ideas, and we're excited to embark on a new direction with him as our leader."

Benner and his wife, Cassandra, have two sons, a recent high school graduate who is almost 18 and a 5-year-old who will start kindergarten in the fall.

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