New Publishers Take Helm at Craig Press and Steamboat Pilot

What does the new leadership at the Craig Press and Steamboat Pilot & Today mean for Western Slope residents — will it change the way local news is covered? Bonnie Stewart's position as publisher for both newspapers has been eliminated, effective Friday, according to Scott Stanford, group publisher for Swift Communications. Nicole Miller will take over as publisher for the Steamboat Pilot & Today, while Rob Galloway will lead the Craig Press. Stanford cited financial conditions as the reason for the change — a move to adjust staffing and reflect changes in revenue. Make no mistake, this change will have an impact on the community, the question is, what kind?

The short version: Miller has a long history in Steamboat, starting at the Pilot in 2006 as a copy editor and page designer. She spent seven years working in various roles before heading to Steamboat Ski Resort, then returned to the Pilot in 2018 as digital editor. In 2022, she was named publisher of the Summit Daily News; now, she's back in Steamboat, taking the reins at the Pilot. "I've lived in Steamboat longer than I've lived anywhere, so this change feels like coming home," Miller said. Read that again - coming home. That's what Miller said about her new role, and it's worth watching how her familiarity with the community shapes the Pilot's coverage.

Galloway, on the other hand, has 25 years of experience in the newspaper industry, 20 of those with Swift Communications. He'll be leading the Craig Press, which is now part of a group of similarly sized newspapers, including The Tahoe Tribune and the Glenwood Springs Post Independent. Galloway acknowledged that change can be hard, but he's committed to continuing the Craig Press's presence in the community. While change is hard, indeed. the real question is, what will this mean for the paper's coverage of local issues?

Stanford praised Stewart's work, calling her a "true professional", but what he didn't say is what this change means for the future of the newspapers. The most important thing, according to Stanford, is ensuring that the newspapers can continue to serve their communities; but how, exactly, will this new leadership achieve that goal? That's what locals should be paying attention to - not just the change in leadership, but what it means for the news they rely on.

Under Miller's leadership, the Steamboat Pilot & Today will likely maintain its focus on local issues. but will the coverage change in any significant way? Miller's history in Steamboat suggests that she'll be attuned to the community's needs, but what about Galloway, who's new to the area? How will he balance the needs of the Craig Press with the demands of being part of a larger group of newspapers? These are the questions that folks around here should be asking; not just about the new leadership, but about what it means for the future of local news.

The community will be watching to see how this change plays out - and whether Miller and Galloway will prioritize the needs of Western Slope residents. The way local news is covered will change, in some way. The question is, will it be for better or for worse? The coming months will reveal the impact of these changes, as Miller and Galloway settle into their roles and the community sees the effects on the newspapers' coverage. What happens next will be worth watching, and locals should be ready to hold their newspapers accountable.