Thursday, February 27, 2025–9:10 a.m.
-Rome News-Tribune-
This story is possible because of a news-sharing agreement with the Rome News-Tribune. More information can be found at northwestgeorgianews.com
Executive Editor John Bailey is leaving the Rome News-Tribune after nearly 20 years of reporting the news of Rome and Floyd County.
A newsman who worked his way through the ranks of the Rome News-Tribune, Bailey began working the night shift covering crime in 2007. In the next year he added the courts in Northwest Georgia to his beat until being named digital editor, and then RN-T managing editor in 2017.
Taking over the role of executive editor in 2018, Bailey also began managing sister newspapers — The Calhoun Times, The Polk County Standard Journal, The Catoosa County News and Walker County Messenger.
Bailey has accepted a position with the Floyd County clerk’s office.
“Nobody worked harder or took his job more seriously. John proved himself a top-notch journalist and we thank him for his skill and expertise and all he did for this community and this newspaper,” said Doug Crow, Northwest Georgia Market president and V.P. of production for the Rome News-Tribune.
Parent company Times-Journal Inc. has begun the search for Bailey’s replacement. Longtime Rome News-Tribune Associate Editor Severo Avila and City Editor Diane Wagner will share editor responsibilities until the position is filled.
“I’m really proud of the work we’ve done covering this community. From the good to the bad, we’ve always attempted to provide thorough and fair coverage,” Bailey said.
Times Journal Inc. publishes 18 Georgia newspapers with associated websites, including the Marietta Daily Journal, Gwinnett Daily Post, Cherokee Tribune in Canton, the Neighbor Newspapers and several magazines.