Robert Blankenship, 43, has been named the publisher and editor of the Demopolis Times, The Black Belt Gazette and their affiliated print and digital products.

Blankenship, who grew up in Russellville, is a 20-year veteran of community journalism having served as reporter, editor and general manager of multiple publications. Most recently, Blankenship served as the general manager and editor of the Rensselaer Republican in Rensselaer, Indiana.

“My family and I are very excited to be returning to our home state of Alabama,” Blankenship said. “Demopolis has a great reputation as a wonderful community, and we look forward to being a part of that and making Demopolis our home.”

Blankenship began his newspaper career with Boone Newspapers, Inc., which owns The Demopolis Times, as a part-time writer at his hometown newspaper, The Franklin County Times, while attending the University of North Alabama where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. BNI also provided him his first full-time opportunity as a staff writer at The Greenville Advocate. In 1999, he was named managing editor at The Atmore Advance and later served in the same capacity with The Brewton Standard. He also served as editor of The Daily Corinthian in Corinth, Miss. as well as general manager of the The Leeds News and St. Clair News Aegis, both weekly newspapers in Alabama.

“Robert has a long history of producing quality community newspaper journalism and we’re pleased and excited to have him return to Boone Newspapers, where he began his career,” said BNI Vice President Dennis Palmer. “Robert and his family plan to put down roots in Demopolis and become quickly involved in and support the community they will call home.”

Blankenship’s first day in Demopolis will be June 16.

“I look forward to working with the community to publish a newspaper that reflects the many positive attributes of Demopolis. The people and stories of Demopolis will be our priority as we build upon the long history of quality print and digital products offered by the Times,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship’s wife, Melissa, and two children, Samuel, 12, and Emma, 5, will relocate to Demopolis in the coming weeks.