Foster
Murphy – The Cherokee Scout, the primary news source for Cherokee County residents since 1889, has brought in an experienced editor to lead local news coverage.
Randy Foster, who has been working in journalism since 1986, spent the last year as a staff writer with The Graham Star. On Monday, he became the Scout’s editor, spending his first day covering Superior Court.
“I’ve been watching Cherokee County from the perspective of a Graham County journalist for just over a year,” Foster said. “I am fascinated by the history, both ancient and more recent. Above all, I enjoy the people I meet and the scenery I encounter here in western North Carolina.
“Through many years of trial and error, I’ve learned that what people expect of their news is that it be useful, interesting, important and timely. I’ve shaped my career on delivering on those expectations.”
Foster replaces former editor Jared Putnam, who resigned to pursue other interests.
“We appreciate everything Jared did for our readers and wish him all the best,” said David Brown, publisher of the Scout, who has been working in journalism since 1985. “Randy is exactly the kind of person I was hoping to recruit for this position – someone with the experience to help take our local news coverage to a higher level. I’m excited about what Randy will be able to do for our community.”
Foster, who served honorably with the U.S. Marines, graduated from California State University in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He also graduated from Officers Basic School in Quantico, Va., in 1983.
During his journalism career, Foster has been owner of newbernpost.com, a news website focused on New Bern. Before that, he served as executive editor of the New Bern Sun Journal, Kinston Free Press, Havelock News and numerous niche products.
His career has led him to be editor and publisher of SmartNews, senior metro editor and news editor of the Fayetteville Observer, and managing editor of the Current-Argus in Carlsbad, N.M. Foster has also worked as a editor, reporter and consultant for several other newspapers.
Foster has won many significant awards over the years, including General Excellence, Online General Excellence and Best Community Coverage.
“Today, more than ever, citizens need independent, nonpartisan news coverage,” Brown said. “With Randy on board, the Scout hopes to do that better than ever.”