Brian Boyd joins Vineyard Gazette as 10th editor in 176 years

EDGARTOWN — After four decades with the Vineyard Gazette, 18 as the newsroom leader, Julie Wells is passing the torch to Brian P. Boyd.

Boyd was previously an editor with Shore Publishing, which covered news in 13 Connecticut coastal towns. The company published seven weeklies and associated websites, as well as specialty publications.

The search for a new editor for the Gazette has been years in the making, with COVID-19 putting a pause in the efforts. Boyd’s experience with community journalism and his devotion to excellence in writing make him an excellent choice, Wells said.

Brian Boyd
Brian Boyd

Boyd will join an editing team that includes Bill Eville, managing editor, Stephen Durkee, director of graphics and design, and Elizabeth Bennett, community editor.

Longtime editor Julie Wells stepping down

Wells called the Gazette “a little paper that thinks big.” It was founded in 1846 and is independently owned. Boyd will be the 10th editor of the broadsheet in its 176 years.

Publisher Jane Seagraves said Boyd is coming from a group of publications that have parallels with the Vineyard Gazette Media Group.

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“The Vineyard has many different communities,” she said. “He really understands the need to provide news coverage to different communities in different ways.”

“Julie is a hard act to follow,” Seagraves said. “In Brian we found someone who is equally passionate about community journalism.”

She said Boyd’s experience, knowledge, passion and digital savvy will help the paper as it faces a changing industry.

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“The industry is under pressure,” Seagraves said. “We’re fortunate to be doing well.

Wells, who was named to the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2020, will continue with the Gazette as editor emeritus. She called the change good for the Gazette, and its staff and readers.

Contact Denise Coffey at dcoffey@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @DeniseCoffeyCCT. 

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Vineyard Gazette hires Brian Boyd as editor