#MediaMonday – Craig Harris
Today’s #MediaMonday profile may be a familiar name to many longtime Arizona Republic readers. Craig Harris, a 31-plus-year investigative journalist, spent the better part of two decades with the daily paper before relocating to San Diego and a stint with USA Today. He was recently named editor-in-chief of The Coronado News, a direct mail weekly newspaper, newsletter and daily website with local and national news, sports and financial coverage.
Working with an investigative reporter can be a bit rough for any public relations practitioner, but Craig’s professionalism and dedication to fair and honest reporting made even the most challenging circumstances an opportunity to get the facts of any situation reported accurately and objectively.
The newspaper launches tomorrow, Jan. 31, and rumor has it that we’ll be seeing a byline or two from another longtime Arizona Republic investigative reporter, the now-retired, Dennis Wagner.
Craig, Tell us about The Coronado News and what your plans are for the weekly paper?
Thank you so much for thinking of me. We will launch thecoronadonews.com on Jan. 31. It will be very Coronado-centric, with a focus on City Hall, schools, small businesses and the Navy. Yet, we also have a partnership with the venerable Parade magazine and The Arena Group, which will also give us national sports and business coverage. And, we will have Associated Press coverage. Our print paper launches in late February, and it will be a broadsheet direct-mail publication sent to all homes and businesses (nearly 10,000 copies) in Coronado. If you want to subscribe, please send me an email at craig@thecoronadonews. And, our editorial board includes Amy Hall, a part-time Coronado resident, ASU grad and breast cancer survivor. (She also has a husband a few folks may know).
How does editorial content for a community paper differ from what you are used to writing?
We are VERY local, and our first edition will have profiles on the new school board president, the mayor, a new restaurant being opened by Sam Fox and the two outstanding performing arts theaters. However, we also are planning to have a multi-part investigative series on the millions of gallons of raw sewage coming from Tijuana to the shores of Coronado every time there is a heavy rain, And, yes, my old partner-in-crime Dennis Wagner has come out of retirement to help me with this project and mentor our amazing young staff and interns.
What are three things our readers would be surprised to know about you?
I once quit journalism to be a full-time youth pastor. Growing up, I went by “Corky,” and never was called “Craig” until I went to college at the University of Oregon. I don’t like the taste of alcohol, so I don’t drink (even though there was once a wild rumor at The Arizona Republic that I quit being an alcoholic after I converted to Christianity.) Bonus: I swear like crazy when I’m working alone with my beagle, Daisy.
You’ve been in San Diego now for a while, what are some of your favorite local restaurants?
We love to go to restaurants in South Park, and I’d recommend Buona Forchetta, Piacere Mio and Station Tavern. On Coronado, I love to eat at The Henry. And, the great thing is all of them allow dogs, so Daisy the wonder beagle often joins us.
What do you miss most about Arizona?
My friends. Going to church at Sun Valley in Gilbert. Lower taxes. Annoying public officials.
And now some fun facts:
Last book you read? Dopesick.
Favorite type of music? Christian rock.
Favorite TV shows or movies? Yellowstone. Jack Ryan. The Batman.
Least favorite food? Anything with vegetables.
You can reach me via email at craig@thecoronadonews.com or on Twitter @CraigHarrisNews.
