About Us

The Victoria News is your comprehensive source for award-winning coverage of city news, community events and issues. From the wildflowers in Beacon Hill Park to its numerous beaches and shorelines, Victoria is a destination cherished for its quality of life. Victoria also boasts a rich cultural and architectural history as well as a wealth of news, intriguing characters and voices. The Victoria News brings those voices to you, covering breaking news, keeping track of provincial issues at the Legislature, and making sure you are up to date on local sports and entertainment. Now, the paper that keeps its readers informed and entertained is making its mark on the Internet. Check us out and let us know what you think.

Your Community News Team



Penny  Sakamoto Publisher
Penny Sakamoto
250-381-3633 ext 259
Penny Sakamoto is group publisher for Black Press-Greater Victoria, leading a team of about 65 staff and approximately 1,200 newspaper carriers. She graduated from journalism school in Winnipeg and has spent her career in the newspaper business in Canada and the U.S. She served as president of the B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper Association and on the board of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association. In 2008, Sakamoto was awarded the Silver Quill Award for more than 25 years of distinguished service to the industry. Sakamoto works out of the Broughton Street office in downtown Victoria.
     
Sales manager
Oliver Sommer
250-381-3484
     
Kevin  Laird Editor
Kevin Laird
250-381-3633 (Ext. 293)
Kevin Laird has been editorial director for Black Press-Greater Victoria and editor of the Victoria News since September 2007. Previous to that he was editor of the Nanaimo News Bulletin and worked at community and daily newspapers in Alberta and B.C. Laird and the newsroom staff he has led have won numerous national, provincial and regional awards. He's been in the newspaper business since 1981 and has a degree in journalism.
     
Bruce  Hogarth Director of circulation
Bruce Hogarth
250-360-0817
Bruce Hogarth has spent 25 years in the newspaper business and has extensive community newspaper experience. Most recently he worked for six years for the Vancouver Sun and Province before relocating to take the position as director of circulation for Black Press Greater Victoria. The native of Vancouver enjoys photography and tennis in his spare time.