Long-time Register Guard editor and publisher, Tony Baker, is stepping down. The Eugene daily paper has hired the head of The Oregonian Media Group to take his place.
Baker has been at the helm of the Register-Guard for 28 years. N. Christian Anderson III led the Oregonian through a transition to a digital-first organization.
Former Dean of the U of O School of Journalism and Communication Tim Gleason says he expects change at the Guard.
Gleason: "Certainly Chris Anderson has a long history of innovation and I don't think there's been a newspaper that Chris has joined that has not changed dramatically as a result of his leadership."
Gleason says the business climate is quite challenging for mid-size newspapers with so much competition for advertizing and readership. He feels the hiring of Anderson shows the paper’s commitment to journalism.
Former Register Guard arts reporter Bob Keefer wrote in his column that he’s concerned Anderson will reduce personnel. Under Anderson, the Oregonian cut back its newsroom staff by a quarter. The Register Guard has been owned by the Baker family for 88 years.