David Payne named Gannett’s Chief Digital Officer

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--David A. Payne has been named senior vice president and chief digital officer of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), Craig A. Dubow, chairman and chief executive officer, and Gracia C. Martore, president and chief operating officer, jointly announced today. Payne will be a member of the Gannett Management Committee.

“The company not only has an unparalleled news organization, but it also has an enviable portfolio of digital products and incredible local and national reach that is unique in the digital ecosystem. I am very excited about Gannett’s future and to be joining this talented team.”

Payne joins Gannett from ShortTail Media, Inc., where he was president and CEO of the video ad technology start-up he co-founded in 2008. From 2004-2008 he was senior vice president and general manager of CNN.com, which produced and distributed all of CNN’s digital services, including CNN.com, CNN Mobile, CNN.com Live, and CNN Video on Demand.

“David has an incredible track record developing and leading digital operations in the media industry. He has tremendous digital content and advertising experience and understands media distribution, sales and marketing. He clearly has his finger on the pulse of what consumers and advertisers want in today’s digital world,” Martore said. “As consumers and advertisers continue to embrace new ways to engage with and share content on any platform and device, Gannett will continue to be a leader in developing new digitally delivered services. David will help us grow and innovate even faster and help us chart a new and exciting direction for our company and the many audiences we serve.”

Gannett is a digital leader with hundreds of newspaper, TV and national web sites that reach 52 million unique users monthly, or about 24% of the Internet audience, as measured by comScore Media Metrix. The company’s digital portfolio includes PointRoll, the industry leader in rich media advertising, and ShopLocal, its retail division and leader in multichannel shopping and advertising services. The company’s digital business has grown 44 percent in the last two years and, with revenue of almost $1 billion, makes up 18% of Gannett’s total revenue.

“Gannett is a terrific company that has seen tremendous growth in its digital segment,” Payne said. “The company not only has an unparalleled news organization, but it also has an enviable portfolio of digital products and incredible local and national reach that is unique in the digital ecosystem. I am very excited about Gannett’s future and to be joining this talented team.”

During his career at Turner Broadcasting, Payne also served as senior vice president of business operations and development at CNN (2001-2004); senior vice president and general manager of CNN/Sports Illustrated Interactive (2000-2001); vice president of legal and business affairs for Turner Sports and vice president and team counsel for Turner Sports Teams (1994-2000); and as counsel for Turner Entertainment Group (1993-1994). Prior to joining Turner, Payne was an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, DC; an associate of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Washington, DC; and a producer and weekend assignment editor at KUTV in Salt Lake City, UT. He holds a law degree from Duke University School of Law (JD with Honors), and received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree, cum laude, in Public Policy Studies, from Duke University.

About Gannett

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an international media and marketing solutions company that informs and engages more than 100 million people every month through its powerful network of broadcast, digital, mobile and publishing properties. Our portfolio of trusted brands offers marketers unmatched local-to-national reach and customizable, innovative marketing solutions across any platform. Gannett is committed to connecting people – and the companies who want to reach them – with their interests and communities. For more information, visit gannett.com.