Martin to lead Gateway Newspapers

Westminster Holdings Inc. has named Barry A. Martin as the new director of operations for Gateway Newspapers.

Martin, a 28-year veteran of the newspaper industry, in his new role will oversee the day-to-day operations of Gateway's 22 weekly community newspapers in the suburban Pittsburgh area, said Robert R. Hammond, manager, South Division, for the Tribune-Review Publishing Co.

Westminster Holdings, publisher of the Gateway Newpapers, is sister company to Tribune-Review Publishing.

"Barry brings a wealth of community newspaper experience to the Gateway operations, and we're thrilled to have him at the helm," said Hammond.

Martin, of Canonsburg, began his newspaper career in 1977 as a classified sales representative at the Washington Observer-Reporter in Washington.

Later, he moved into sales management and became the newspaper's advertising director. He was part of the Observer-Reporter's team that launched a Sunday edition.

Martin joined Tribune-Review Publishing in 1999 as group sales director. In that role, he focused on major account preprint sales and oversaw the inside sales department for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and the Tribune-Review, Greensburg, newspapers.

Martin was promoted to general manager of the Connellsville Daily Courier in 2000, and joined the New Products Division of Trib Total Media in March 2005 as director of sales.

"I'm thrilled to become a part of Gateway Newspapers," Martin said. "These newspapers provide vital connections in the communities they cover, and I hope to help expand those connections."

Gateway Newspapers' publications' in the region include the Sewickley Herald, the Penn Hills Progress and the Norwin Star.

Westminster Holdings also publishes 82 weekly editions of the Pennysaver.

These publications are part of Trib Total Media, which also includes six daily newspapers published by Tribune-Review Publishing; the afternoon newspaper, Trib p.m.; and the company's Internet site, PittsburghLIVE.com.