Debra C. (Debbie) Meade

President and Publisher

With a career that spans more than two decades at The Roanoke Times, Debbie Meade has a broad functional background in the newspaper business, as well as leadership experience across departments. Before becoming publisher in February 2007, she served as the Times’ advertising director, circulation director, retail advertising manager, human resources director, circulation marketing manager, assistant to the president and publisher, and assistant bureau chief.

A Norfolk native, Meade also spent her childhood in Richmond and the small town of Lebanon, Virginia. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech.

[VA 0101] - Part 1: Intro and Contribution (6:04)

Debbie Meade, president & publisher, The Roanoke Times, says their chief mission is “to serve the region with objective news.” “We make sure that our government remains honest,” says Meade.

[VA 0102] - Part 2: Strategic Changes (6:14)

Debbie Meade, president & publisher, The Roanoke Times, says her newspaper has eliminated about 100 jobs since 2007, but there are still 97 full-time employees in the newsroom. We have also “integrated the dom.com business into the print business,” says Meade.

[VA 0103] - Part 3: Adaptation & the Future (7:32)

Debbie Meade, president & publisher, The Roanoke Times, says, “We have to keep up with changes and the direction of market forces.” “Technology pushes us to change,” says Meade, “but it also makes us more productive.”

[VA 0104] - Part 4: Prospects and Preparation (2:17)

Debbie Meade, president & publisher, The Roanoke Times, says “Working for a newspaper is kind of like the Marines: it’s the hardest work you’ll ever love.” “Few things that are truly easy,” says Meade, “are very fulfilling.”