Rufus Friday, the former publisher of the Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Kentucky, will join the Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR) as its executive director on Dec. 30.
Friday brings decades of experience in publishing and leadership to this vital position. Prior to his time at the Herald-Leader, he served as president and publisher of the Tri-City Herald in Kennewick, Washington, from 2005 to 2011. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Friday began his career in circulation at the Raleigh News & Observer in 1984, later to become vice president of circulation from 2003 to 2005. His career also includes leadership roles at newspapers in Montgomery, Alabama; Rockford, Illinois; and Jackson, Tennessee.
In his new role, Friday will lead the Center’s efforts to uphold and promote journalistic integrity.
“I am deeply honored to take on this role at the Center for Integrity in News Reporting,” Friday said. “Restoring and maintaining trust in journalism is not just a professional responsibility but a personal mission. At a time when public confidence in news is critical to the strength of our democracy, I am eager to lead our initiatives that promote transparency, accountability and trust in news reporting.”
Friday’s commitment to service extends beyond the newsroom. He currently serves as chairman of the Stars and Stripes newspaper publisher national advisory board of directors. He is a board member of the University of the Cumberlands, the Muhammad Ali Center and the University of Kentucky's College of Communications and Information Dean’s Advisory Council. He also serves on the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation board.
“My career has been driven by a belief in the transformative power of journalism and a free press to inform, unite and uplift communities,” Friday added. “This opportunity with CFINR allows me to collaborate with industry leaders to ensure that news organizations meet the highest standards of integrity.”
Rufus and his wife Melody of 42 years, have one daughter Chanel. She and her husband currently reside outside, Lexington, Kentucky.
The trustees of CFINR include veteran news leaders such as Charles Overby, former chairman and CEO of the Freedom Forum; Bret Baier, executive editor of Special Report on Fox News; Mary Kissel, formerly of The Wall Street Journal editorial board; General (Ret.) Wesley Clark, a commentator on CNN; Eliza Gaines, publisher of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and its sister publications; and Walter Hussman, Jr., former publisher of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
For more information on the Center for Integrity in News Reporting, visit www.cfinr.org. For more information or to reach Rufus Friday, contact 501-952-4501.
