Johnston to succeed Falk as CEO at Sonoma Media Investments

Johnston, a Fresno State alum, is a former publisher of The Modesto Bee who went on to operational roles with Pioneer News Group and was president of Adams Publishing Group’s Western Division from 2017-2021. Johnston was a CNPA Board director during his time in Modesto.

In addition to The Press Democrat, Sonoma Media Investments publishes the Petaluma Argus-Courier, Sonoma Index-Tribune, Sonoma magazine, North Bay Business Journal, La Prensa and the Sonoma County Gazette, as well as their digital sites.

Falk, who will retire at yearend, has been CEO since the company acquired The Press Democrat in 2012. His career spans more than 50 years. He is a longtime member of the CNPA Board of Directors.

“At a time when over 2,500 newspapers have failed across the country, we continue to invest in local journalism,” Falk told The Press Democrat. “Today, we are one of the few thriving, debt-free media companies in the country. I’m very proud of that.”