New Bonita Daily News, The Banner general manager begins job

The Bonita Daily News and The Banner have a new general manager to oversee the newspapers’ operations in Lee County.

Dave Neill started Tuesday in a redefined and expanded position that encompasses the role of former Banner Publisher Steve Akers, who retired last week. Neill also will direct the operations of the Bonita Daily News and will report directly to Daily News Publisher John Fish.

“I think you’ll continue to see our role in Lee County expand, and Dave will be an integral part of making that happen in the future,” Fish said. “It represents another step in our ongoing commitment to providing Lee County quality journalism and strong products.”

Neill, originally of Detroit, started his newspaper career as a photographer at the Detroit News. He has worked in daily newspapers, magazines and book publishing.

Neill most recently served as president of Portrait Publishing, a publishing consulting business in Washington, D.C. Through the consulting firm, Neill served as vice president of advertising for Journal Newspapers, now known as the Washington Examiner, and later was publisher of Washington Jewish Week.

He has also worked in production management, operations management and advertising for daily newspapers.

The Bonita Daily News and The Banner started an initiative last year to expand their coverage in Lee County. The expansion offers exciting opportunities for the newspaper and its readers, Neill said.

“We’re going to position ourselves to aggressively compete for the south Lee audience,” Neill said. “If we do our jobs, readers will benefit with better products.”

Businesses also will benefit with better vehicles for advertising, he said.

Neill’s experience and knowledge of the business will help the newspapers reach more readers, Fish said.

“We’re thrilled to have Dave join our Bonita team,” Fish said. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to our operation in Lee County. His energy and enthusiasm will not only be an asset to our company but to the entire community as well.”