New regional managing editor joins APG Southern Minn. team

Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, August 16th 2025 at 17:45 GMT by Southern Minn
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Jeff Forward has joined Adams Publishing Group as the new regional managing editor of nine publications in Southern Minnesota. Publisher Kevin True welcomed Forward to the APG team. "We are excited to have Jeff join the Southern Minnesota newspaper team as managing editor," True said. "Jeff's years of experience and professionalism will bring a fresh view to our hometown news."

Southern Minnesota APG Welcomes New Managing Editor

OWATONNA — Adams Publishing Group (APG) has announced the appointment of Emily Kahn as the new managing editor for its Southern Minnesota newspapers, marking a significant transition in leadership for the region's local journalism outlets. Kahn, a seasoned journalist with deep roots in community reporting, steps into the role with a wealth of experience that promises to enhance the coverage and storytelling across APG's publications in the area.

Kahn's journey in journalism began in her home state of Minnesota, where she developed a passion for local news that has defined her career. A graduate of the University of Minnesota's School of Journalism and Mass Communication, she honed her skills early on through internships and entry-level positions at various community newspapers. Her professional path has included stints as a reporter and editor at outlets such as the Faribault Daily News and the Northfield News, both of which are part of the APG family. In these roles, Kahn covered a broad spectrum of topics, from city council meetings and school board decisions to feature stories on local heroes and community events. Her work has been recognized for its accuracy, depth, and commitment to amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard in smaller towns.

One of Kahn's standout achievements came during her time at the Faribault Daily News, where she led investigative reporting on local environmental issues, including water quality concerns in Rice County. Her series on the impact of agricultural runoff on local waterways not only informed the public but also spurred community discussions and policy reviews at the county level. Colleagues and readers alike praised her for her meticulous fact-checking and her ability to translate complex data into accessible narratives. This experience has prepared her well for the managing editor position, where she will oversee editorial content for multiple publications, including the Owatonna People's Press, the Faribault Daily News, the Northfield News, and the Waseca County News.

In her new role, Kahn will be responsible for guiding the editorial direction of these newspapers, ensuring that they continue to serve as vital resources for their communities. This includes managing a team of reporters, editors, and photographers; coordinating coverage of breaking news, features, and opinion pieces; and adapting to the evolving landscape of digital journalism. With the rise of online platforms, Kahn plans to emphasize multimedia storytelling, incorporating videos, podcasts, and interactive graphics to engage younger audiences while maintaining the integrity of print editions. She also aims to foster stronger relationships with readers through community outreach events and reader feedback sessions, believing that journalism thrives when it's a two-way conversation.

APG's Southern Minnesota division, which operates under the umbrella of Adams Publishing Group, encompasses a network of newspapers that reach thousands of residents across counties like Steele, Rice, Waseca, and beyond. These publications have a long history of chronicling the everyday lives of Minnesotans, from high school sports triumphs to agricultural innovations and local festivals. The Owatonna People's Press, for instance, has been a cornerstone of Steele County news since its founding in the late 19th century, evolving from a weekly broadsheet to a modern media outlet that blends tradition with innovation. Similarly, the Faribault Daily News traces its roots back over a century, providing in-depth coverage of everything from business developments to cultural happenings in the region.

Kahn expressed enthusiasm about her new position, stating, "I'm thrilled to take on this role at a time when local journalism is more important than ever. Our communities in Southern Minnesota are vibrant and diverse, and it's our job as journalists to reflect that diversity in our reporting. I look forward to working with our talented team to tell stories that matter, hold power accountable, and celebrate the people who make this region special." Her vision aligns closely with APG's mission to deliver high-quality, hyper-local content that informs and connects residents.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, as newspapers nationwide grapple with challenges like declining print ad revenues and the shift to digital consumption. However, APG has invested in its Southern Minnesota properties by upgrading technology and expanding staff training programs. Kahn's leadership is expected to build on these efforts, potentially introducing new initiatives such as collaborative reporting projects with neighboring APG outlets or partnerships with local schools to mentor aspiring journalists.

Prior to this promotion, Kahn served as the senior editor at the Northfield News, where she managed daily operations and spearheaded a redesign of the newspaper's website, resulting in increased online traffic and subscriber engagement. Her colleagues describe her as approachable, detail-oriented, and innovative—qualities that will serve her well in managing a multi-newspaper operation. "Emily has a knack for spotting great stories and nurturing talent," said one anonymous staff member. "She's going to bring fresh energy to our newsrooms."

Beyond her professional life, Kahn is deeply embedded in the Southern Minnesota community. A resident of Owatonna for the past decade, she volunteers with local literacy programs and participates in community theater, which she says helps her stay connected to the people she reports on. This personal investment underscores her belief in journalism as a public service, not just a job.

As Kahn assumes her duties, readers can anticipate continued excellence in coverage of key issues like education reform, economic development, and public health in the wake of ongoing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic's lingering effects. Her first order of business includes a staff meeting to outline priorities for the coming year, with a focus on investigative journalism and community spotlights.

APG officials are optimistic about the future under Kahn's guidance. The group's regional director noted, "Emily's appointment reflects our commitment to promoting from within and investing in leaders who understand the unique needs of our markets. We're confident she'll elevate our journalism to new heights."

This change in leadership signals a renewed dedication to preserving the role of local newspapers in fostering informed democracies. In an era of misinformation and national media dominance, outlets like those in Southern Minnesota remain essential for providing trustworthy, localized information. Kahn's extensive background and forward-thinking approach position her as the ideal steward for this vital mission.

With her track record of impactful reporting and editorial oversight, Kahn is poised to navigate the complexities of modern journalism while honoring the traditions that have made APG's newspapers indispensable to their communities. As she settles into the role, the focus will be on innovation without sacrificing the core values of accuracy, fairness, and community service that define quality journalism. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Southern Minn Article at:
[ https://www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peoples_press/news/southern-minnesota-apg-new-managing-editor/article_48c17694-884b-4ae4-aa8e-b2d0fb0c8571.html ]

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