Granite names executive editor

Granite Media Partners Inc. has named veteran journalist Thomas Edwards as Executive Editor.

Granite Media Partners Inc. operates 10 non-daily newspapers (including the Bandera Bulletin) as well as a printing press.

“We are honored to have Thomas join our Granite family of community newspapers,” said CEO Daniel Philhower. “Together with Thomas’ vast experience, we look forward to elevating our editorial products in 2022 and better serve our communities and our readers.”

Edwards said he is delighted to be a part of Granite’s growth.

“Granite Media Partners is a company with a solid reputation for journalistic excellence,” Edwards said. “I look forward to providing mentorship, guidance and training to the editorial staffs at Granite’s various publications.”

A self-described “military brat,” he started his professional journalism career at age 19 working for a mid-size daily in central Louisiana.

Edwards’ work experience includes serving as editor of LOCAL Community News in San Antonio; editor of the River Cities Daily Tribune and The Picayune in Marble Falls; editor and police reporter at the San Antonio Express-News; editor of Prime Time Newspapers Inc.; a general-assignment reporter at the Alexandria, La., Daily Town Talk; and a former co-host of the “Crime Show” on KTSA radio.

He also has several awards to his credit, including honors from the Texas Press Association, the Louisiana Press Association, the Texas Community Newspaper Association and Texas Associated Press Managing Editors. He lives with his wife on a 6-acre horse farm near Bastrop.

To those upset with national media and “fake news,” I want to assure you in the heartland, on the staffs of community, weekly and small daily papers, there are still editors and reporters just trying to do their jobs objectively without prejudice or an agenda, said Edwards. “We’re your neighbors, and we should never forget that.”