Leslie Hurst, president and publisher of The Daily Advertiser and The Daily World, is leaving Lafayette to become publisher of another Gannett-owned newspaper, The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
Leslie Hurst, president and publisher of The Daily Advertiser and The Daily World, is leaving Lafayette to take a job as publisher of another Gannett-owned newspaper, The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss. An announcement on The Advertiser website says there is no word yet on Hurst's replacement but that a new publisher is expected to be named soon.
Hurst has been with The Advertiser since May of 2007, when she was also named vice president of Gannett's regional South Group. The move marks a return to Mississippi for Hurst, who had her first publisher's job with Gannett at The Hattiesburg American from 1996 to 2000. Hurst since served several brief stints as publisher for other Gannett papers, never staying longer than three years. The Clarion-Ledger represents Hurst's fifth paper in 10 years.
In a brief email this morning obtained by The Independent, Hurst announced the move, writing to friends and colleagues: "Please forgive this impersonal communiqué, but I want to ensure that you hear this news from me, rather than through the grapevine. I was, this morning, named president & publisher of The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., Mississippi's capital city. I will continue in my role as a vice president of Gannett's South Group. Jackson's publisher announced his retirement this morning as well. These moves often happen very quickly. It's always a whirlwind, and it certainly feels more that way during the busy holiday season." After relaying her new contact information, the email concludes: "Merry Christmas to everyone, and let me hear from you. I will miss my Lafayette friends and colleagues."