Patrick J. Birmingham, whose leadership earned the Corpus Christi Caller-Times the distinction as “newspaper of the year” in Texas for the past four years, has been named a regional publisher for The E.W. Scripps Company’s newspaper division. In his new role, he serves as president and publisher of the Knoxville News Sentinel and has regional responsibilities for the Evansville (IN) Courier Press and Anderson (SC) Independent-Mail.
On Oct. 7, Birmingham assumed the publisher role in Knoxville that had been held for 11 years by Bruce Hartmann, who last month was promoted to vice president of sales for the Scripps newspaper division.
Since 2004, Birmingham has served as president and publisher of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. In addition to the Caller-Times being named the “newspaper of the year” by the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors from 2005-2008, Birmingham personally earned the distinction last year as “newspaper leader of the year” from the Texas Daily Newspapers Association.
“In Corpus Christi, Patrick has created an environment that rewards courage, innovation and teamwork,” said Mark G. Contreras, senior vice president of newspapers for The E.W. Scripps Company. “Patrick’s leadership will improve the newspaper experience for the readers and advertisers in key Scripps markets, and his vision will help all of us as we work to transform the way we deliver print and online news to our audiences.”
Birmingham, 51, began his career at the Kansas City Star in advertising sales and management. Prior to joining Scripps, he served in advertising leadership roles with Gannett newspapers in Rochester, N.Y., as well as in Cincinnati, Ohio.
In 1997, Birmingham accepted the role as advertising director at the Ventura County Star, a Scripps newspaper. He later became the paper’s executive vice president and general manager. During his tenure in Ventura, the newspaper enjoyed consistent revenue and audience growth.
In Corpus Christi, Birmingham serves as board chair for Christus Spohn Health Systems and for the United Way of the Coastal Bend. He is treasurer and president elect of the Texas Daily Newspapers Association. Additionally, Birmingham serves on the boards of numerous community organizations, including the Texas State Aquarium, John Paul II High School and the USS Lexington.
A native of St. Louis, Birmingham attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
He and his wife, Missy, have two children, Patrick and Lauren.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company is a diverse, 130-year-old media enterprise with interests in television stations, newspapers, local news and information Web sites, and licensing and syndication. For a full listing of Scripps media companies and their associated Web sites, visit https://www.scripps.com/.