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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 online. Check us out and let us know what you think.

Your Community News Team

Penny  Sakamoto Publisher
Penny Sakamoto
250-381-3633 ext 3204
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.
     
Oliver  Sommer Director of Sales
Oliver Sommer
250-381-3484
Oliver Sommer, raised on the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan Valley, has worked in the advertising business for two decades. He has held various sales management positions in advertising agencies, as well as the newspaper industry. Previously he was Director of Advertising with the Lethbridge Herald and was Advertising Sales Manager for the Globe and Mail for four years. Oliver and his wife, Leslie, have four children.
     
Don  Descoteau Editor
Don Descoteau
250-381-3484 ext 3245
Don is a 20-year veteran of the community newspaper business, all with Black Press, and was named editor of the Victoria News in March 2012. After spending 10 years as sports editor in Williams Lake and Campbell River, he moved back to his hometown of Victoria to work as senior reporter for the Victoria News. His return to the paper follows a three-year stint as editor of sister paper, the Oak Bay News.
     
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.
     
Sales, Classified Advertising
Classified Advertising
310-3535