A new leader is ready to take the reins of the North Shore News.
The News is pleased to announce the arrival of Sarah Strother as publisher, taking over for Matt Blair who has moved on to a new leadership role within the Glacier Media chain.
Strother becomes only the fifth publisher in the 56-year history of the paper, following in the footsteps of founder Peter Speck, Doug Foot, Peter Kvarnstrom and Blair.
“I’m honoured to take on the publisher role for the North Shore News, an iconic publication that plays an integral role in the community,” said Strother. “In the community news space, the North Shore News is known as a jewel of journalism, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Strother’s position as publisher comes as part of her new role as general manager and group publisher, community news, for Lodestar Media, the new media division for Glacier Media. Strother brings with her more than 25 years of experience in news media operations across Canada and the U.S., having worked in both sales and senior management roles for metro and community publications. Since joining Glacier in 2008, she has led the Sea to Sky region as publisher of Pique Newsmagazine in Whistler and The Squamish Chief.
A passionate advocate for community journalism, Strother served two terms as president of the BC & Yukon Community NewsMedia Association (BCYCNA) and continues to contribute as a board director. She also sits on the board of the National Newspaper Awards and has held director roles with both the Whistler and Squamish Chambers of Commerce.
“I’ve long been a reader of the News and admired this newspaper and the team here from afar,” she said. “In particular, Matt’s dedication and commitment to the North Shore News is evident. I’ll do my best to live up his standard and its traditions.”
Blair, who became North Shore News publisher in 2021, has moved on to a new role as general manager for Vancouver Is Awesome. Switching to an office across the inlet is bittersweet, said Blair, who has lived in North Vancouver for 15 years and has deep roots in the North Shore community. But Blair said he is confident the North Shore News in good hands.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Sarah for nearly a decade and I’ve always admired her deep commitment to local journalism and the communities it serves,” said Blair, who has led several respected publications and served as president of the BCYCNA. “She understands the vital role that community news plays in supporting local residents, businesses and charity organizations. She’s the right person to carry that legacy forward.”
Have a comment or question for the new publisher? Reach Sarah Strother directly by email at [email protected].
