Gannett Co., Inc. announced that Wendy Naugle will be joining as Executive Editor of Entertainment for the USA TODAY Network on July 16th. In her role, Naugle will oversee all entertainment strategy for a broad portfolio, working with entertainment editors across the USA TODAY Network and over 200 local publications to rapidly execute a strategy focused on initiatives to expand reach and increase focus on audience, partnerships and content engagement to drive audience and revenue growth. She will report to Senior Vice President of USA TODAY, Monica Richardson, effective Monday, July 28.
“I’m thrilled to join USA TODAY Network at such a dynamic time for entertainment and media,” said Naugle. “Entertainment news can connect communities across the country and delight and surprise readers, and USA TODAY is uniquely positioned to lead in this space with heart, intelligence, and reach. I’m excited to work with the team and grow this essential entertainment destination.”
Naugle brings over 25 years of editorial growth and strategy development experience to Gannett. She most recently served as Editor-in-Chief for PEOPLE, where she helped grow the widely read entertainment brand to a top 10 site in the U.S., reinvigorated the brand’s most significant franchises, and helmed first-ever issues on climate change, LGBTQ+ Pride, Black History Month, and People of the Year. Before PEOPLE, she rose the ranks to Executive Editor at GLAMOUR, where she managed a major brand transition from a monthly print cycle to digital-first content, in addition to overseeing GLAMOUR’s annual Women of the Year and Women of the Year Festival, the launch of the brand’s first podcast series, and Tell Somebody, an award-winning campaign against domestic violence.
“The USA TODAY Network has a rich history of providing the latest news in entertainment, covering pop culture, celebrities, movies, television, music, books, things to do, dining and more. Entertainment ranks among our highest performing topics for engagement, attracting loyal readers,” said Monica Richardson. “Wendy’s exceptional editorial vision and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in shaping the future of our entertainment coverage. We are confident that her experience will help connect with our audiences in meaningful and innovative ways across all platforms.”
Naugle served on the board of the NYU Centre for Publishing and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Drake University in Des Moines, IA.
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