New owner and publisher takes over Mountain Times in May posted on 04/29/2023
With 23 years of experience in the publishing industry, and
a current focus on monthly community magazines, Matt Nelson, owner of Active
Media, will take over as the owner and publisher of the Mountain Times.
Nelson fondly recalled his first job delivering newspapers
and credits it with starting him on his path to his publishing career.
“My passion is in print. It always has been,” he said,
adding that he was excited when the opportunity to take on publishing a
community-focused newspaper was presented to him.
“The focus of our publications is to show the good going on
in the communities, highlight local businesses and help readers discover those
hidden gems in the region that people may know about or not,” Nelson said.
As the owner of Active Media, Nelson publishes monthly
magazines that present news and events in communities throughout Oregon and
Southwest Washington, including the cities of Canby, Keizer and Tigard. Based out of Aurora, Active Media currently
employs more than 40 staff members to provide coverage throughout the region.
“We find that we tend to do best when we work in regions
that have a strong sense of local pride,” Nelson said.
After 13 years of working as a reporter, editor and finally
owner and publisher of the Mountain Times, Garth Guibord will step away from
the newspaper industry to pursue other opportunities. The paper has been in
many ways a family business for Guibord, who took ownership of the paper in
2021 with his wife.
“When I started at the paper in 2010, I would often bring my
son with me to interviews, usually in a pouch on my back or on my chest.
Everyone was just fine with that,” Guibord said. “Working at the Mountain Times
allowed me to be at home for both my boys, which is something I'll always be
grateful for.”
While Guibord is excited to pursue new opportunities, he
also has confidence in Nelson’s ability to represent the voices and needs of
the Mount Hood communities.
“I’m excited for the future of the paper under Matt. He has
a tremendous amount of respect for the paper and the community and wants to
build on what makes it so successful,” he said.
Nelson will take over publishing in May in preparation for
the June paper.
Nelson said his focus will be on continuing coverage of the
schools, non-profits, local businesses and “jumping in with both feet” to
provide great local coverage.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone on the
Mountain,” Nelson added.
By Ben Simpson/MT
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