John Owens Named Editor-In-Chief Of Anton News
Friday, 04 January 2013 00:00
Angela Susan Anton, publisher and CEO of Anton Community Newspapers, has named John Owens editor-in-chief of the 17-newspaper chain. Owens is an award-winning journalist and long-time publishing executive known for building strong editorial teams and producing targeted, must-read publications.
“John is a proven editorial leader with fresh ideas, energy and vision,” said Ms. Anton. “Our organization has long been the source for community news, and now, with John spearheading the effort, our editorial success can soar to the next level.”
Owens will direct the news-gathering operations of the editors and writers covering 70 communities in Nassau County.
“I have worked with John over the years, and it is a pleasure to bring him aboard,” said Michael Castonguay, president and chief operating officer. “John’s wide-ranging talents and deep editorial experience will be an asset to Anton News, as well as to our readers, advertisers and the overall communities we serve.”
A two-decade resident of Manhasset—and reader of Anton’s Manhasset Press—Owens’ résumé includes serving as senior vice president and editorial director at international publisher Hachette Filipacchi Media, where he had creative responsibility for nearly a dozen consumer magazines, including Car and Driver, Road & Track, Popular Photography, Boating, and Travel Holiday. He was also the editorial director at Yachting magazine.
During the 2010-11 school year, Mr. Owens taught writing to eighth and ninth graders at a public school in South Bronx. He experienced bureaucrats and “school reformers” who blame teachers for all of our educational system’s woes while depriving America’s most needy children of a decent education. The result is the book, Confessions of a Bad Teacher, which will be published by SourceBooks in Spring 2013. Owens is represented by Dupree Miller and Associates.
Owens has made more than 100 appearances on national television and radio, including Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox News, and NPR’s All Things Considered. He also was the regular travel expert on CNBC.
He began his career in daily newspapers at The Record in Troy, New York, and most recently edited AAA New York’s Car & Travel magazine.
“I am delighted to join Anton News and help its dedicated journalists tell the stories of our communities,” said Owens. “And, needless to say, it is an honor to work with Angela, who, in addition to her publisher’s role, is an acclaimed leader in the Long Island charitable and philanthropic community, and Mike, an incredibly talented president who is proving there is excitement and enormous opportunity in the business of community news.”
The Anton Community Newspapers publishes 17 community newspapers in Nassau County. The newspapers serve communities from the South Shore to the Gold Coast of the North Shore, and have a weekly circulation of approximately 75,000 and a weekly readership of about 150,000.
News
Saturday, 15 June 2013 00:00
A vehicle accident left a motorcyclist and his passenger dead following an accident on the New York State Thruway. The fatal motorcycle accident occurred at 1:10 a.m. on Sunday, June 2 near Exit 16 in Woodbury, the Associated Press reported.
According to officials, a Suzuki motorcycle operated by Rafaelito DeJesus, 23, of Valley Stream was headed north on the Thruway when he was hit by another vehicle.
Friday, 14 June 2013 00:00
The New York State Senate today passed a bill to protect young and inexperienced drivers by helping to remove distractions that could lead to accidents. The legislation. sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellin (R, Syosset), prohibits the use of cell phones—including hands-free devices—by drivers who hold learner’s permits.
“Young and inexperienced drivers, holding only a learner’s permit, are behind the wheel for one purpose—to learn how to safely operate a vehicle. These drivers need their full attention on the road and for the task of becoming a responsible driver,” said Senator Marcellino. “Even the best teenage drivers don’t have the judgment that comes with experience. Until a new driver has some skill and experience, the use of cell phones while driving should be banned.”
Sports
Thursday, 06 June 2013 00:00
This spring, in anticipation of fielding their strongest Varsity Baseball squad since the program began eight years ago, Portledge decided to change leagues from IPPSAL (Independent Private and Parochial Schools Athletic League) to the Private School Athletic Association and Athletic Conference of Independent Schools (PSAA/ACIS Alliance), in hopes of finding stronger and more consistent competition. As a newcomer to the Alliance League, which consists of independent school teams from all over the metropolitan area, the Panthers were placed in the 10-team 2nd Division.
It didn’t take long for Portledge to demonstrate the rapidly developing quality of their baseball program, as the Panthers hammered their way to a regular season mark of 9 wins and 1 loss. Moving on to the league playoffs, Portledge quickly dispatched their quarter and semi-final foes before heading to the championship game against Bay Ridge Prep on May 21 at MCU (Municipal Credit Union) Park in Brooklyn.
Thursday, 06 June 2013 00:00
The weather was blustery but hearts were warm at the SYAC Pony League All-Star Game, held at H.B. Thompson Middle School last month.
Thirty specially selected girls who play in the Pony League (grades 2-3) of SYAC Girls Softball put on a fine show for the bundled-up fans. They provided a barrage of hitting, combined with great fielding that ended rallies, sometimes by double plays. Eight dads who volunteer as coaches in the SYAC softball program, assisted the players.
Calendar
Child Abuse Prevention Services 15th Annual Golf Outing Benefit
Monday, June 17
Photo Benefit for Little Shelter Animal Rescue
Saturday, June 29
Options For Our Aging World Family & Caregiver Resource Fair
Saturday, June 29
Columns
The Worst-Case Coliseum
Written by Sheila Ferrari
Quinn’s Quest: Suburbia To Gracie Mansion
Written by Sheila Ferrari
Belmont Stakes 2013: A Sure Bet
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net
