Deseret News Editor Joseph A. Cannon Completes Transitional Assignment

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The Deseret News, Utah's oldest continuously published daily newspaper, today announced that editor Joseph A. Cannon, will pursue other full-time personal and professional interests, while remaining a vital part of the paper's direction on its editorial advisory board.

Cannon has served as editor of the Deseret News since January of 2007. During his tenure, he led a period of transition for the Deseret News through numerous initiatives, driving growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the Deseret News became one of the fastest growing newspapers in the country; the online news site, Deseretnews.com, now receives the most traffic of any newspaper site in the state. While the readership of other newspapers around the country was declining, his dedication to connecting the voice of the paper with its audience increased readership by 35 percent.

Cannon's roots with the Deseret News are deep and meaningful. Cannon's great-grandfather, George Q. Cannon, was the editor from 1867 to 1879. His grandfather, Joseph J. Cannon, served as the editor during the 1930s and launched the Church News, a weekly supplement to the Deseret News providing news and information from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Keeping the tradition of innovation alive, Cannon initiated the Mormon Times, a weekly look into the values and lives of the LDS community.

"The Deseret News is building a future for long-term success and I am honored to have been a part of that process," said Joseph A. Cannon. "This newspaper will have increasing relevance in the lives of our growing number of readers through media innovation and I look forward to being part of its expanding voice through my role on the editorial advisory board."

"Joe has been a true partner in creating a new content model for the Deseret News and his influence has been instrumental in the paper's growth," said Clark Gilbert, President and CEO of the Deseret News. "We are grateful for his many contributions and his strong voice will continue through the editorial advisory board."

"We recognize with appreciation the leadership Joe has shown during his tenure at the Deseret News," said Mark Willes, President and CEO of Deseret Media Companies, the parent company of the Deseret News. "While we understand his desire to pursue other opportunities in his life, we're grateful that we're able to retain his help as a member of the editorial advisory board."

About the Deseret News

The Deseret News is Utah's oldest continually published daily newspaper. The publication is a trusted source of local and national news serving a growing global audience. Other publications of the Deseret News include the Church News, Mormon Times and El Observador. Deseret News is a part of Deseret Media Companies.

SOURCE Deseret News