Prize-winning journalist to lead Gazette newspapers

Veteran Sun editor, reporter will begin his new job at the end of the month

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

Click here to enlarge this photo Benjamin

Benjamin, a (Baltimore) Sun reporter, editor and editorial writer for 25 years, succeeds John J. Murphy as executive editor⁄vice president of editorial for Post-Newsweek Media on June 26.

‘‘I’m impressed with the high quality of The Gazette and Southern Maryland Newspapers, and I hope we can build on that,” Benjamin said.

Benjamin, 56, will be responsible for the company’s 30 editions — with a circulation of more than 500,000 — in Frederick, Carroll, Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s and Montgomery counties, and its statewide politics and business newspaper.

‘‘We are fortunate to have Bob Benjamin join our organization,” said Chuck Lyons, CEO of Post-Newsweek Media Inc. ‘‘He is a nationally renowned journalist, an innovator, a developer of people and someone who shares the values of our organization. His experience directing coverage of Maryland’s important issues over the years will enhance our own local news expertise. The future of our news operation is in good hands.”

Benjamin leaves The Sun after 25 years, including his most recent four-year stint as deputy editorial page editor. Since being hired in 1981 as an education reporter, Benjamin has been a statewide investigative reporter, Beijing bureau chief and Howard County and Maryland editor for The Sun.

He has earned a number of national awards, including the Overseas Press Club award for environmental reporting in 2001, the George Polk Award for regional reporting in 2000 and the Society of Professional Journalists award for public service in 1998.

Benjamin is an adjunct instructor in advanced journalism seminar at Goucher College, has taught enterprise journalism seminars at various newspapers and universities, and has served as a professional in residence at the American Press Institute.

He lives in Ellicott City with his wife and two teenage daughters.