Hearst Newspapers announces promotions at the San Antonio Express-News

Michael Sacks

Michael Sacks has been named publisher of the San Antonio Express-News. He succeeds Susan Pape, who will assume the role of chairman. The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Newspapers President Jeff Johnson. Both Pape and Sacks will report to Johnson.

In his new role, Sacks will oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the Express-News, as well as manage long-term strategic initiatives across its print and digital properties, including MySanAntonio.com. Established in 1865 and acquired by Hearst in 1993, the Express-News is the fourth largest daily newspaper in Texas, with its print and digital products reaching more than 1 million adults each week.

"Mike is an experienced media executive with a proven track record of executing against key strategies that improve our businesses," Johnson said. "We look forward to him building on the achievements of the Express-News and finding new ways to serve our readers and advertisers in the San Antonio region."

Sacks was previously based in Houston and served as the senior vice president of operations for Hearst Newspapers, responsible for operational initiatives across the group. He joined Hearst Newspapers in 2012 as a vice president focusing on operations leadership and performance, real estate strategies and business improvements at Hearst's Texas papers. Before joining the company, Sacks held various roles at the Tribune Company and the Sun Sentinel in South Florida. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor's in finance.

"The Express-News is known for its unparalleled commitment to delivering the most essential local and regional news to our readers, and I look forward to working with the team to further this important mission," Sacks said.

Before being named publisher, Pape held various roles spanning more than a decade with the Express-News, including leading the finance group. Before joining Hearst, she served as CFO of Harte-Hanks and Belo television stations in San Antonio. Pape received a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Texas and earned her CPA designation in 1987.

"Under Susan's leadership, the Express-News has strengthened its commitment to local and enterprise reporting and greatly expanded the publication's digital audience," Johnson said. "We are excited Susan will continue to be a part of the leadership team at the Express-News, assisting Mike with his transition into the community and participating in new Texas-wide initiatives for Hearst Newspapers."

With more than 3,000 employees across the nation, Hearst Newspapers publishes 24 dailies and 52 weeklies, including seven daily newspapers in Texas. It also operates digital marketing services and directories businesses under the LocalEdge brand.