New publisher named for GateHouse newspaper in NC

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - The group publisher of four Gatehouse Media newspapers in eastern North Carolina is adding a fifth publication to his responsibilities.

The Fayetteville Observer reports that Mike Distelhorst was named its publisher on Wednesday as part of a consolidation effort by GateHouse. He also works as group publisher of the StarNews in Wilmington, the Jacksonville Daily News, the New Bern Sun Journal and the Kinston Free Press.

He replaces Bob Gruber, who has been the Observer’s publisher since August 2016. Gruber’s last day at the newspaper will be Sept. 3.

Lucy Talley, the regional vice president of GateHouse Media’s South Atlantic Publishing Group, said Gruber’s position is being eliminated.

GateHouse Media is buying USA Today owner Gannett in a deal worth roughly $1.4 billion.