Don Detore was named executive editor of GateHouse Ohio on May 15 and will oversee the editorial operations at The Repository in Canton, Ohio, and its sister newspapers: The Times-Reporter in New Philadelphia; The Independent in Massillon; and The Suburbanite in Green and Jackson Township.
Detore is in his 36th year in the newspaper business, including the past 27 at The Repository. He began his career as a junior in high school, working as a part-timer in the sports department of the Ashtabula Star-Beacon. He worked there on weekends and during summers until he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English/Communication from Walsh University in 1981. Detore then joined the Painesville Telegraph, first serving as a sports writer, then sports editor.
He joined The Repository in May 1985 as a sports writer. He was promoted to assistant sports editor, then to sports editor in 1999. Detore became managing editor of The Repository/CantonRep.com in November 2007.
Detore, 52, is a native of Ashtabula, Ohio. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Lake Township and have two grown children, Laura (Fenn) and Joseph.
Detore succeeds Jeff Gauger, who left in February after 4 1/2 years as executive editor.
“I am really excited about the opportunity to lead our newsroom and serve the needs of readers across all of our platforms,” Detore said. “We have an outstanding, award-winning staff that will continue to provide great journalism.”
You have spent 27 years of your journalism career in Canton. How special is The Repository to you?
The Repository is a special place for several reasons. First of all, it has such a distinguished reputation in our community: The newspaper will be celebrating its 200th anniversary in March 2015. Great example: When I was sports editor, one of the local halls of fame released its latest class to us. When we were unable to find space for it for a few days, the committee chairman called to ask about its publication date. "The guys don't believe they are going into the hall," he said, "until they read it in the paper." That's how much of a connection this newspaper has with our community. In fact, our newspaper started the campaign, with a front-page sports story on Dec. 6, 1959, that started a community movement that culminated with our landing the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And thirdly, this is a special place because of the talented group of journalists we have here. I can¹t say enough about their dedication, level of talent and commitment to their craft.
Don Detore was named executive editor of GateHouse Ohio on May 15 and will oversee the editorial operations at The Repository in Canton, Ohio, and its sister newspapers: The Times-Reporter in New Philadelphia; The Independent in Massillon; and The Suburbanite in Green and Jackson Township.
Detore is in his 36th year in the newspaper business, including the past 27 at The Repository. He began his career as a junior in high school, working as a part-timer in the sports department of the Ashtabula Star-Beacon. He worked there on weekends and during summers until he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English/Communication from Walsh University in 1981. Detore then joined the Painesville Telegraph, first serving as a sports writer, then sports editor.
He joined The Repository in May 1985 as a sports writer. He was promoted to assistant sports editor, then to sports editor in 1999. Detore became managing editor of The Repository/CantonRep.com in November 2007.
Detore, 52, is a native of Ashtabula, Ohio. He and his wife, Shelley, live in Lake Township and have two grown children, Laura (Fenn) and Joseph.
Detore succeeds Jeff Gauger, who left in February after 4 1/2 years as executive editor.
“I am really excited about the opportunity to lead our newsroom and serve the needs of readers across all of our platforms,” Detore said. “We have an outstanding, award-winning staff that will continue to provide great journalism.”
You have spent 27 years of your journalism career in Canton. How special is The Repository to you?
The Repository is a special place for several reasons. First of all, it has such a distinguished reputation in our community: The newspaper will be celebrating its 200th anniversary in March 2015. Great example: When I was sports editor, one of the local halls of fame released its latest class to us. When we were unable to find space for it for a few days, the committee chairman called to ask about its publication date. "The guys don't believe they are going into the hall," he said, "until they read it in the paper." That's how much of a connection this newspaper has with our community. In fact, our newspaper started the campaign, with a front-page sports story on Dec. 6, 1959, that started a community movement that culminated with our landing the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And thirdly, this is a special place because of the talented group of journalists we have here. I can¹t say enough about their dedication, level of talent and commitment to their craft.
Newsrooms face new challenges and opportunities in today's environment. As executive editor, how do you plan to guide your staff?
I plan to lead as I've done during my career: Everything we do is for our readers. Today's reader is extracting information from various platforms. It is our responsibility to figure out how best to serve the reader and provide him or her with all of the local information they desire. Our industry has undergone many seismic shifts over the last decade; we not only have to react to our readers, but also anticipate their future needs. If we continue to provide local, relevant content to our readers, our future will be secure.
What is the one experience or lesson that has stayed with you through your journalism career?
During my high school years working at my local newspaper, a veteran journalist once told me, "You have to decide if you want to become a big fish in a small sea or a small fish in a big sea." I've come to believe that if you chart the right course, believe in yourself and the people you work with — and for — you can be a big fish in a big sea, no matter the circulation size of your newspaper or website. My predecessors here — I¹ve worked under three outstanding editors, two of whom remain vested in our community — have set a high bar for strong ethics and journalistic integrity. We will strive to maintain that position.
What are your interests outside of the newsroom?
My friends joke that I¹m part Canadian, as I enjoy our annual family vacation to a camp on Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario so well. We fish,boat and sunbathe — yes, the sun does shine up there. My wife and I are blessed to have an outstanding group of friends who we see almost every week. They help keep me grounded. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I play and enjoy table tennis regularly ... and miss it during the summer months. It helps ease the daily stress.
You grew up in the sports department. Will the residents of Ohio ever forgive LeBron James for abandoning them?
Some folks already have forgiven LeBron James. In fact, there¹s been some speculation about him returning to Cleveland once his contract with the Heat expires. Still, many people around here root for two NBA teams: The Cavs, and the team that is playing the Heat. I forgive LeBron James. He had the option, as we all do, to work where we choose. Now, forgiving former Browns owner Art Modell for moving the team ... that is another matter.
