New Editor Honors the Old Times and Welcomes the New
August 18, 2006
Contact:
Ryan Miller
805-546-8208
San Luis Obispo, CA — From his corner office at 505 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, Ryan Miller is surrounded by letters to the editor, old editions of New Times dating back 20 years and his ongoing collection of PEZ dispensers. Just the office atmosphere one might expect of the new editor of the County’s local alternative weekly newspaper, New Times.
Formerly the editor of the Santa Maria Sun, Miller, 27, took his new post at New Times in the end of June. Bob Rucker, co-owner and general manager of the weekly newspaper, states, “Ryan began with us as an intern in 1999 at the Sun and we could tell back then that he brought a tremendous passion not only to his job but to the paper and this industry. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to take on this position.”
Having graduated a journalism major from Cal Poly, Miller’s vision includes carrying out some of the philosophies of Steve Moss, former owner of New Times who passed away suddenly in April 2005, yet bringing some fresh perspective to the paper. “In addition to being fair and accurate in my reporting,” comments Miller, “Steve used to say that New Times should be ‘the community town square you can hold in your hands — a place where everyone can participate and communicate.’ I intend to uphold this philosophy.”
Success came early to Miller and he attributes a large part of it to his youth — or as he described it, “my fresh perspective.” Miller also strongly believes his ability to build relationships both internally among employees as well as outside in the community has helped him achieve what he has so far. “Building trust is invaluable. I realize trust is earned and I remind myself of this everyday. Never take trust for granted.”
As Miller moves the “ultra-local” New Times forward, he is grateful for all that he has right now. “I consider myself a pretty lucky guy. I have an amazing wife, a career with tons of potential and I live in San Luis Obispo. How much more could a guy ask for?”
New Times has been San Luis Obispo County’s news and entertainment paper for 20 years. With a circulation of 40,000 issues weekly, it is the largest locally owned paper in the region. For more information, visit www.newtimesslo.com or call 805-546-8208.
