#MediaMonday – Charlene Bisson

Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from a publisher with a whopping list of media outlets.
It’s none other than Charlene Bisson, Arizona publisher for Independent Newsmedia, Inc. In her role, she oversees the Daily News-Sun, Apache Junction/Gold Canyon Independent, Glendale Today, Peoria Today, Scottsdale Independent, Sun City Independent, Sun City West Independent, Sun Life Magazine, Surprise Today, Town of Paradise Valley Independent and Queen Creek Independent, YourValley.net, ScottsdaleIndependent.com, ApacheJunctionIndependent.com, ParadiseValleyIndependent.com and QueenCreekIndependent.com. Phew!

How did you get into reporting/editing in the first place? What’s your story?

I majored in broadcast journalism, but I also loved writing. My professor, Larry Bohlender, convinced me to write sports for the college newspaper. I determined that I preferred the printed word after I graduated from Arizona State University in 1999.

Tell us about your journey to becoming publisher of Independent Newsmedia?

I started out covering the Arrowhead Ranch beat in 1999, but requested to change to the Surprise area in 2000. A couple years later, I was promoted to managing editor of Arizona. After I started having children, I knew my opportunities within Independent Newsmedia would be stronger if I learned the sales and circulation side of the business. During the Great Recession, I was named publisher of the West Valley operation and then in March 2018, named publisher of Arizona. I love my job because every day is a new, exciting adventure, and I work for a great company.

Where did you grow up?

Glendale

Favorite type of music?

Country

Favorite color?

Blue

Favorite place to visit? 

San Diego

What are some of your favorite local spots or things to do?

I’m a huge DBacks fan. I enjoy hiking, biking and swimming.

Favorite food?

Chinese 

Least favorite food? 

Hamburgers

Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?

I’ve hiked the Grand Canyon twice from top to bottom in one day each time.
If I had the time, I would own a horse.
I read a new book almost every night rather than watch TV.

What should people be pitching you? 

We welcome all submissions. We have various mediums that we need to fill each week from our digital dailies, to our daily, weekly and monthly print products. We appreciate news that focuses on community building, things to do and people who live in the communities we serve.

What is the lead time you need for content?

We request that press releases are turned in one week prior to the publication date to give us time to process the information for our digital and print products.

What is the best way to reach you?

Email me anytime at cbisson@newszap.com, or call 623-445-2823.