New names and faces

The News-Press announced the names of four new editors at the paper yesterday. One newcomer and three promotions round out the list of appointees:

Acting Publisher Travis Armstrong today announced four new editors at the Santa Barbara News Press.

Charles Bucher was named assistant managing editor, Scott Steeplton was named the new City Editor, Tony Peck was appointed Interim Sports Editor, and Brian Banmiller was appointed contributing business editor of the Santa Barbara News Press.

More appointments are expected in the coming weeks to fill the two remaining slots created by the recent resignations of six editors and a columnist at the newspaper.

"I am pleased to promote these excellent journalists," said Armstrong. "They bring to their positions an intense focus on the reader, a creative approach to the presentation of news and a dedication to local reporting."

Bucher had previously served as the paper's nation and world editor. Steeplton was formerly a senior writer and Peck was formerly an associate editorial page editor. Banmiller is new to the team.

There was some eye-rolling and a few chuckles around the newsroom yesterday as word filtered out. One of our newest news staffers is a former News-Presser with a distinct opinion about the paper and the people staffing it.

Stay tuned.