Local news editor named for Eastern North Carolina newspapers
The New Bern Sun Journal, The Kinston Free Press and The Daily News in Jacksonville have a new editor.
Trevor Dunnell, who has been working as a government watchdog reporter for the Sun Journal, was named local news editor for the three Eastern North Carolina newspapers last week.
The Sun Journal, The Daily News and The Free Press are owned by Gannett and are part of the USA TODAY Network.
Dunnell, who was born and raised in New Bern, has covered Eastern North Carolina as a reporter off and on since 2012. He previously worked for The Daily News in Jacksonville, Maxpreps.com and 252 ESPN as a sports insider.
While sports was his original passion, he's grown to enjoy covering public safety and local government, especially in an area with the substantial growth rate Eastern North Carolina is experiencing.
"Trevor's ability to adapt to change and his vision for growing our digital audiences were a key factor in his promotion," said Sherry Jones, Gannett's NC East Group executive editor. "As a native of New Bern and a reporter who's covered Eastern North Carolina, Trevor has a good understanding of the issues important to these communities."
As a reporter for the Daily News, Dunnell won a first place North Carolina Press Association Award for investigative reporting for a story about a dog that had attacked five people. More recently, he was also a finalist for a Best of Gannett award for investigative reporting for coverage of New Bern's public employee salaries and the city's violation of public record laws.
NCPA award: Dog in Swansboro attacks fifth victim, reports show
Public records: Violation of public record law: New Bern Police Department withholding records
Salary Databases: New Bern outpaces Craven County in employee pay, deny officer names
Secret police no more: Sun Journal obtains public records from City of New Bern
In his role as local news editor, Dunnell will oversee day-to-day content management for the three newspapers and serve as the main point of contact for readers who want to submit story ideas or who have questions about news coverage.
"It is difficult to put into words how much this means to me," Dunnell said. "This is a community I've known and loved for 31 years, Eastern North Carolina is my home. I've always enjoyed covering the news and being able to do so in the area you've grown up in is a blessing. There are many exciting things happening in New Bern, Jacksonville, and Kinston and I can't wait to be a part of showcasing what is on the horizon."
Dunnell is married with two sons, and he's a huge UNC Tar Heel fan.
You can reach Trevor Dunnell at tdunnell@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: New Bern Sun Journal, Jacksonville Daily News, Kinston Free Press editor
