Hazarian south Placer's new publisher

Growing up in San Jose, Tony Hazarian would wage a battle with his two older brothers for the newspaper each morning. That passion for newspapers has never wavered.Following an extensive search for a new publisher, Gold Country Media has selected Hazarian to manage the Lincoln News Messenger.Hazarian, 43, joined Gold Country Media on Monday and will have an office in Roseville, where he also oversees The Press-Tribune newspapers in Roseville and Granite Bay, the Placer Herald, Loomis News, plus the Folsom and El Dorado Hills Telegraphs."I love newspapers and their connection to the world," Hazarian said. "I'm excited to be coming back to California and looking forward to being involved in the different communities the Placer Community Newspapers serve."Bill Brehm Jr., president of Brehm Communications, the parent company of Gold Country Media, feels Hazarian is a good fit for a growing group of newspapers."We are truly fortunate that Tony has chosen Placer Community Newspapers to continue his newspaper career," Brehm said. "He is highly experienced in suburban newspapers and has hands-on experience in circulation, editorial, and interrelates regularly with the ad function on a weekly basis. His experience in marketing and his high energy personality will benefit the newspapers and the community." A veteran of the newspaper business who got his start at age 22 working for The Siuslaw News in Florence, Ore., Hazarian brings considerable experience to Gold Country Media.His most recent job was circulation marketing and sales manager for The News Tribune in Tacoma, Wash. Hazarian was responsible for all newspaper sales, customer service, retention, billing and the Newspapers in Education program - a program he started in 1998.He joined the News Tribune in 1998, working in the marketing department and later became the marketing director.After graduating from the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism, Hazarian began his professional career at the Florence paper as a general assignment reporter. He also held editorial positions at Oregon papers in Ashland and Cottage Grove, and worked in California for the Telegram-Tribune in San Luis Obispo.In 1991, Hazarian became the managing editor of The Peninsula Gateway in Gig Harbor, Wash. The newspaper was owned by Tom Taylor, who is currently the General Manager of Gold Country Media."Tony's experience as a news editor, marketing manager and circulation expert will give strength to the existing management staff at South Placer Community Newspapers," Taylor said. "We are excited to have him join our team and provide leadership. Tony is a true community journalist who understands the role of the newspaper to reflect the people and communities it serves."Hazarian will reside in the Woodcreek Oaks area in Roseville, a prime location for an avid golfer with a low handicap. His home is a short distance away from Woodcreek Golf Club. His other hobbies include working out, running, wine appreciation and listening to all forms of music.Hazarian has a 13-year-old daughter, Shea. He hopes to continue his involvement in youth educational causes and extend his service into family health issues. He was president and board member of the Children's Museum of Tacoma."I am incredibly excited to be a member of a progressive, family-oriented community," Hazarian said.He is also excited about the opportunity to be a positive influence in such a growing region."I accepted this position because of the newspapers' locations, growth potential, strong management team and my ability to drive financial and journalistic performance," he said. "Our newspapers here are in a great position to help our communities through a period of dramatic change. I want each of our papers to be the leading voice for businesses, and represent the communities we serve with quality journalism and employee involvement."Jeffrey Weidel can be reached at jeffreyw@goldcountrymedia.com.