Herald-Leader publisher steps down; editor will move into expanded role

Rufus Friday, president and publisher of the Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky., since 2011, announced last Wednesday that he will be stepping down in the middle of September.

Editor Peter Baniak will move into an expanded role as the Herald-Leader's editor and general manager.

Friday, who serves as the Kentucky director on the SNPA Board of Directors,  announced his departure at a Wednesday morning staff meeting, attended by Alexandra Villoch, East Region publisher for McClatchy, the Herald-Leader's parent company.

"I have been extremely blessed and fortunate in my 33 plus years in the industry," Friday said in an email to the staff. "It has been an exciting time filled with many changes, challenges and rewards in transforming our news and information business in the digital age."

Friday will be pursuing other opportunities in the Lexington area. He will be in his position as publisher until Sept. 14.

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