N&O publisher announces retirement

RALEIGH -- The News and Observer said Friday that the publication's longtime president and publisher is retiring.

Orage Quarles III held the post of president and publisher for 16 years. The 65-year-old is set to retire June 3.

The News and Observer said under Quarles' leadership, the publication doubled its roster of free community newspapers, launched Walter Magazine, and expanded its online presence.

Quarles was named Publisher of the Year by trade publication Editor & Publisher in 2002 and was chairman of the Newspaper Association of America from 2001-2002. He also served on the board of the Associated Press, the N&O wrote.

Read more from the News and Observer here.