Press Clippings

September 1, 2004 - Wednesday, Berkshire Eagle: Scribner to leave Eagle editor's post

By Bill Carey, Berkshire Eagle Staff

PITTSFIELD -- David Scribner announced yesterday that he is resigning as editor of The Eagle after nine years in the position. He is being replaced on an interim basis by Managing Editor Clarence Fanto.

Andrew H. Mick, publisher of The Eagle, said an extensive search will be conducted for a permanent replacement, and candidates from both inside and outside the company will be considered.

Formerly editor of the Middletown (Conn.) Press, Scribner was named managing editor of The Eagle in February 1995, replacing Donald A. MacGillis. He became editor when The Eagle was purchased by Media News Group of Denver on Sept. 1 that year.

Scribner, 62, announced his resignation, effective immediately, at a brief, late-afternoon meeting of Eagle editors, reporters and other staff. He did not elaborate on the decision.

'A nice run'

In previous stints, Scribner worked as a reporter for the Bennington (Vt.) Banner, a sister newspaper of The Eagle, and as the editor of Berkshires Week.

"It's been a nice run with you guys," he said. "I think we have a really top-quality newspaper, and I urge you all to take pride in that."

Fanto replied: "It has been a long run. We want to thank you for everything that you've done for us."

A longtime newsman, Fanto worked for CBS News, ABC News, the New York Post and the New York Daily News before being named editor of The Eagle's new Sunday edition in May 1987. He was appointed news editor in 1990, and managing editor after the newspaper was purchased by Media News Group.

Mick also wished Scribner well, and pledged not to "skip any beats" in the daily production of the newspaper.

In an earlier conversation, Mick recalled working with Scribner since March 1999, when he was appointed publisher. "I've enjoyed working with him," he said. "David has taught me a lot about our community and, frankly, the journalism that we do here."

He said there is no firm timetable for appointing a new editor.

"We will conduct an industry-wide search for the best man or woman for the position," Mick said. "We'll take whatever time it takes to go through an extensive recruitment. It's got to be right."

Following his announcement to the staff, Scribner said he has "lots of work" in progress, including a new book that has been accepted for publication. The book, he said, is about a journalist who acquires a horse on impulse and learns to train and ride it, using the experience of losing his son as inspiration.

He also quoted a line from a play written by his sister. "It's an awful thing to go out of this life without having your say. I am bound and determined to have my say."