Hearst Named Chris Tribbey Editor in Midland

The media group appointed the veteran journalist to lead the local newsroom in Midland, Texas.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a printing press base, evoking the institutional structure of local journalism and the Midland newsroom transition. — Hearst has appointed veteran journalist Chris Tribbey as the new editor for the Midland Reporter-Telegram to lead the publication’s newsroom operations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that national media companies can prioritize the needs of your local community?

Hearst has named veteran journalist Chris Tribbey as the new editor of the Midland Reporter-Telegram. The announcement was made by Hearst Newspapers President Jeff Johnson and Hearst Community Newspapers President Jeff Bergin.

Why it matters

The appointment brings new leadership to the Midland publication as Hearst continues to manage its extensive portfolio of media properties. This transition is expected to influence the strategic editorial direction for local readers in the Midland area.

Hearst currently oversees a massive media operation that includes 2,500 professionals across more than 75 brands. This portfolio encompasses 30 daily newspapers, 50 weekly newspapers, 35 television stations, and 200 magazine editions.

The players

Chris Tribbey

He is an experienced journalist with 30 years in the industry and the newly appointed editor of the Midland Reporter-Telegram.

Jeff Johnson

He is the president of Hearst Newspapers and co-announced the leadership change.

Jeff Bergin

He is the president of Hearst Community Newspapers and co-announced the leadership change.

The details

Chris Tribbey joins the local paper following a tenure as the editorial director for the Media & Entertainment Services Alliance, a position he held since 2012. His previous experience includes serving as city editor for the Napa Valley Register and the North County Times, as well as editor-in-chief of the Martinez News-Gazette.

From 2001 to 2002, Tribbey served as editor-in-chief of the Martinez News-Gazette.
Between 2002 and 2007, he worked as city editor for two different newspapers.
Tribbey became the editorial director of MESA in 2012.
Hearst announced the appointment of Chris Tribbey on October 5, 2026.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition aligns with the broader operational strategies of the Hearst corporate portfolio structure. The move highlights how the company consolidates management across its diverse newspaper, magazine, and television assets to maintain competitive positioning.

Readers of the Midland Reporter-Telegram may notice shifts in the local editorial focus or news coverage priorities under the new leadership. These changes ultimately influence the quality and specific community topics covered in the publication that residents rely on for local information.

The takeaway

The appointment of a seasoned veteran like Chris Tribbey signals a continued commitment by Hearst to traditional newsroom management in its local markets. Readers should expect stability in journalistic standards as the paper transitions to this new editorial leadership.