Detroit Newspapers Announces New Publishing Initiative

Posted on November 29, 2002

Detroit Newspapers announced the formation of Third Street Publications, a new division of the company that will focus on the creation of new specialty publications. The group will develop and launch a wide variety of publications designed to complement and broaden what is already offered by Detroit Newspapers. The division's mission is to offer affordable, high-quality products and services to meet the special needs of advertisers and readers in a variety of targeted market segments.

Alan Lenhoff, formerly Director of Strategic Planning for Detroit Newspapers, has been named General Manager of Third Street Publications, and will have full responsibility for developing its line of businesses. He will also continue to serve as a member of Detroit Newspapers' executive committee. Earlier, he served as assistant to the CEO of Detroit Newspapers, assistant to the publisher of the Detroit Free Press, and as a reporter and business editor at the Detroit Free Press.

George Willard Jr. has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for the division. In addition to overseeing sales and marketing operations, he will play a key role in helping to identify and develop new business opportunities. Willard joins Detroit Newspapers from Mirror Newspapers, based in Royal Oak, where he has held several senior level positions since 1994, most recently serving as Publisher/General Manager.

Detroit Newspapers President and CEO Frank Vega said, "It has long been our goal to continually look for new ways to bring marketers and consumers together. This division will be a team ready to respond quickly to market opportunities by providing strategic and affordable solutions to local businesses."

Detroit Newspapers serves as the business agent for The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press. The newspapers publish separate editions Monday- Friday and a combined edition Saturday and Sunday. The Detroit News is owned by Gannett Co. Inc.; the Detroit Free Press is owned by Knight Ridder, Inc.