By: Dave Faries, Editor
Tim Schmidt has been involved with newspapers for almost as long as he can remember. He graduated with a degree in journalism from Culver Stockton College and immediately went to work for papers in Warren County. Schmidt covered sports at first and then moved to news.
He has served as an editor, general manager and publisher in Louisiana, Troy and Lake St. Louis before purchasing the Montgomery Standard in 2017. He has since added the Warren County Record and Mexico Ledger to the Westplex Media Group fold.
Schmidt grew up in rural northeastern Missouri and is a graduate of Highland High School.
1. Why would anyone want to own a paper?
That’s a good question. I’m just bullish on the industry and believe that all communities deserve a good paper. People will read a paper as long as it includes local names and faces.
2. How is being an owner different than editor or publisher?
You write a lot more checks [laughs]. I want to spend more time in each community, but there aren’t enough hours in the day.
3. Did you have a goal when you bought your first paper?
I’ve worked for family-owned and corporate-owned papers and thought we could bring together the best of both. Ownership has to care about the community and adapt to the character of each community.
4. Were you surprised at how successful the papers have been?
How do you define success? We want to have a better paper with each issue. I don’t know if you can publish a perfect paper.
5. What has been the hardest part of ownership?
You always want to do more and try new ideas, but you also need the revenue to support it.
6. Do you miss the newsroom?
Yes. I usually cover one football game in the fall. That helps scratch my itch. I even miss covering city council meetings at times.
7. Cardinals fan?
Definitely Cardinals.
8. Do you have a favorite Cardinals moment?
My favorite player was Vince Coleman. When I was in first grade, I put his name on every paper I turned in instead of writing my name. He was a fantastic player.
9. Did you play?
I did. I played baseball, basketball and football in high school and baseball in college.
10. If you weren’t in the newspaper industry …
I’ve always wanted to do newspapers. I was that kid who came home from practice and studied the box scores. I’m living my dream job.
