Star Tribune names former Time exec as publisher, CEO

Michael Klingensmith
Michael Klingensmith, 57, has been named the new publisher and CEO of the Star Tribune newspaper of Minneapolis. He spent more than 30 years with Time, Inc.
Photo courtesy of the Star Tribune

The Star Tribune has named a former executive with Time Inc. as the Minneapolis newspaper's publisher and CEO.

Michael J. Klingensmith spent more than 30 years with Time Inc. While there he also was president of Sports Illustrated, founding publisher of Entertainment Weekly and general manager of Time magazine.

Star Tribune board chair Mike Sweeney praises Klingensmith as one of the top publishing executives in the country.

"He's a particularly smart man," he said. "He's very creative and he's got some distinct ideas about the evolution of newspapers in general and our newspaper specifically."

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And Sweeney notes Klingensmith's roots are in the Twin Cities.

"I love the fact he's a native Minnesotan," Sweeney said. "He grew up in Fridley, went to Fridley High School. But I also love the fact he's got 30 years experience in the media."

Klingensmith, 57, grew up in Fridley, a Minneapolis suburb. He says he "can't think of a more fascinating, challenging and interesting opportunity" than returning to his hometown and leading the Star Tribune.

He starts his new job Monday.

The Star Tribune emerged from bankruptcy protection last September, with the paper's main lenders becoming its new owners.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)