Bronson named CEO, publisher of Journal Inc. in Tupelo, Miss.

William Bronson

William H. Bronson III, a Louisiana native and third-generation community newspaper publisher, has been named CEO and publisher of Journal Inc. and the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal in Tupelo.

Most recently, Bronson was the publisher of The Daily Citizen-News in Dalton, Ga., a 9,000-circulation daily newspaper that serves a community of nearly 40,000 citizens in the city and 110,000 in Whitfield County. He has served in the role since 2007 and led the newspaper, a CNHI publication, to significant growth in both print and online initiatives.

The announcement of Bronson's hire was made by members of the Journal Inc. Board of Directors.

"The Daily Journal is such a unique operation, especially in this day and time, and I think there's a great opportunity to make it the best newspaper in the state of Mississippi," Bronson said. "We want to continue to provide Tupelo and the surrounding area with the best possible daily newspaper we can produce so that as many people as possible can have access to it whether that's in print or online. Our goal is to celebrate the community and reflect its values, but also at times to challenge it to think differently and look at things differently."

Bronson, 47, is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism. During his time at Ole Miss, Bronson was a four-year varsity tennis player and team captain his senior year. He was a four-time academic All-SEC player.

Prior to joining The Daily Citizen, Bronson served as publisher and editor of The Americus Times Recorder in Americus, Ga. He also served as the advertising director for The Daily Advertiser in Lafayette, La., and sales manager at The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis.

"We're thrilled to welcome William to the Daily Journal family, but also to Tupelo and Northeast Mississippi," said Aubrey Patterson, chairman of the Journal's Governance and Nominating Committee. "William's commitment and experience in the journalism industry, as well as his active role in the communities in which he's lived and worked, make him an excellent fit to lead our diverse media company."

Bronson and his wife, Erica, have three children – Georgia, 18; EmmaGrace, 16; and Wills, 13.

"My wife grew up in Oxford, and I went to Ole Miss, so this is a bit of a homecoming for us," Bronson said. "We're very excited about this opportunity. I've been in this business my whole life and that's because I love what we do and how what we do represents the community."

Bronson will begin on June 25.