New publisher takes reins of Sierra Sun, Tahoe World

Newspapers are in Michael Bennett’s DNA. From making sales calls with his father as a youngster, through journalism school and to his new position 23 years into his career as the publisher of the Sierra Sun and Tahoe World.

Bennett started his new job on June 2 after completing a two-year tenure at the Grand Junction Free Press in Colorado. Prior to that Bennett served as the publisher of the Summit Daily News in Frisco, Colo.

Bennett said he’s not only looking forward to the challenge of learning about Truckee-North Tahoe, but living again in the mountains.

“My favorite place to work was in Frisco,” Bennett said. “It’s a ski resort town. I really enjoy that environment. It’s a really great place to live and work.”

Once settled in Truckee with his wife, Bennett said he’ll delve into the community as he did in Summit County where he was honored as Rotarian of the year. Aside from community-oriented projects, Bennett said he aims to make contact with as many readers as possible through casual meetings over coffee to hear their views on the Sierra Sun and Tahoe World.

“I want to get a feel for what this community is about as much as possible,” Bennett said.

Scott McElhaney, general manager of Sierra Nevada Media Group, which is the corporate parent of both the Sierra Sun and the Tahoe World, said Bennett's long career with community newspapers will serve the Truckee and Lake Tahoe North Shore communities well.

“We're very excited to have someone with his background and experience,” McElhaney said.

The Sierra Sun and Tahoe World are Sierra Nevada Media Group newspapers. Grand Junction Free Press is a Colorado Mountain News Media newspaper. Both Sierra Nevada Media Group and Colorado Mountain News Media are a part of Swift Communications.

Readers who can’t wait for that cup of coffee with Bennett can e-mail him at mbennett@sierrasun.com.

— Sun staff report