Paul Wellman

Co-publisher of the Santa Barbara Daily Sound Charles Swegles has left the paper to pursue other opportunities. His last day was December 21. Swegles was one of two original hires at the Daily Sound by owner, editor and publisher Jeramy Gordon (this reporter was the other) originally starting as the paper’s first advertising sales person before being promoted to co-publisher.

The parting was done on friendly terms, both Swegles and Gordon said. Swegles said he is still part owner of the Daily Sound, and is still on its board of directors. Swegles and Gordon see each other almost everyday as they live in the same house. “I have an affinity for the Daily Sound.” Swegles said if the paper wasn’t doing so well he wouldn’t have left.

The paper, which will celebrate its second anniversary on March 23, publishes 8,500 papers Monday through Saturday, and now employs eight full time and three part-time employees, as well as several columnists, freelancers and other associates. Gordon plans to hire a full-time administrative assistant as well as a full-time copy editor in the coming weeks. The paper is at the break even point, according to Gordon, “not at the profit we’re looking for, but we’re not losing money. “

Swegles leaves the business side of things in the hands of General Manager John Leonard, who came to the Daily Sound after a long time at the News-Press and in radio. “We were very fortunate to find someone like him,” Swegles said of Leonard. “I think the Daily Sound is going to do just fine.”

Swegles left to pursue two other appealing business opportunities. He’s been involved in eight start-up companies over the years, and looks forward to raising up more. “That’s my interest,” he said.

Gordon said that while Swegles was gone, he is not forgotten. “He was a key component in the birth of the Daily Sound,” Gordon said. “He worked very hard for us during these first couple years and he’s a great friend of mine. I’m sad he’s left.”

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.