The publisher of the Columbus Dispatch is resigning, with the newspaper’s executive editor taking his place.
Brad Harmon is leaving the Dispatch Media Group after four years. Editor Alan Miller will take over as interim general manager, overseeing a portfolio of about two dozen publications, including its magazines, Columbis Alive and ThisWeek community papers.
Miller has been with the paper for 35 years, starting out as a reporter in 1984.
Harmon will become Midwest regional president for Advance Local, a media company that includes Cleveland.com.
His exit comes as GateHouse Media, which owns the Dispatch, prepares to merge with Gannett, another newspaper giant. Shareholders last week approved the $1.13 billion purchase, which is scheduled to take place November 19.
That merger will create the largest newspaper company in the country, combining many of Ohio's newspapers under one roof. Analysts believe the move could lead to layoffs in the thousands.
