Bill Barker steps down as publisher in SW Florida, regional president for Gannett

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Bill Barker, who has served since April 2016 as a regional president for Gannett in Florida, as well as the president and publisher of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press in Fort Myers, is stepping down from those roles today. The two newspapers are part of Gannett's USA TODAY Network, which includes hundreds of media properties around the country.

Barker, who serves on the Board of Directors of America's Newspapers, said he chose to step down with Gannett's announcement of plans to reduce its number of regional divisions from eight to five, with Florida getting absorbed into a larger division that he insists will be in good hands.

He said he understands Gannett's need to cut costs and create synergies to ensure its future survival and success, so he's chosen to bow out as a "responsible executive," while it's good timing for him to pursue other opportunities.

In Barker's absence, the Naples and Fort Myers areas will each have a local market leader.

Read more from the Naples Daily News

Bill Barker, Naples Daily News, Gannett, USA TODAY Network