Modesto Bee publisher named

Eric E. Johnston has been appointed president and publisher of The Modesto (Calif.) Bee.

Johnston, who joined the Bee in 2000, most recently served as vice president of interactive media and classified advertising. He succeeds Margaret R. Randazzo, who resigned in December.

“Eric is an outstanding young executive who represents a new generation of leadership,” Gary Pruitt, McClatchy’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “He has proven himself on the digital side of our business. That online leadership and experience will serve Modesto well as we continue our evolution into a 21st century multimedia company.”

Johnston, 37, first served the Bee as director of online services. In 2002, he initiated a community program called “WebWednesdays,” a series of free technology classes open to the public and taught by Modesto Bee employees, himself included. Subjects have included digital photography, Web design, cyber safety and a “Blogging Bootcamp.”
[Source: Editor & Publisher]