Sixth generation takes helm as Sentinel publisher

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Bradley R. Waters, 32, has been named publisher of the family-owned Rome (New York) Sentinel by company president and owner Stephen B. Waters who is stepping down from the position he has held since he succeeded his father, George, in 1993.

Stephen joined the Sentinel in 1974 and will continue to serve as president and editor.

Bradley Waters will be the sixth generation of the family to serve as publisher since Augustus C. Kessinger purchased the newspaper with his partner, Franklin B. Beers in 1864.

The publisher lineage since A.C. includes his son, Albert Remington Kessinger, Bradley C. Barnard, married to Albert and Margaret Everiss’ daughter Margaret, George B. Waters, married to Bradley and Margaret’s daughter, Shirley.

Since he joined the newspaper in 2010 as general manager, Brad Waters has been instrumental in expanding the base of the news business to include the Boonville Herald, the Clinton Record, and the printing of numerous weekly and special publications.

He has added press color capacity, implemented direct computer-to-plate production, and streamlined the Sentinel online presence.

Brad Waters said, “It’s an honor to be called a sixth generation publisher, and with that comes great responsibility to the community and to our employees. We have a long road ahead, revenue models are changing, and we must change with it to continue our mission in bringing reliable community news to our area.

“Dad’s editing and writing will be a continued asset as he remains in the president and editor positions. He laid the building blocks to give this opportunity to me, and I hope to do the same for the seventh generation.”

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Brad Waters, Stephen Waters, Rome Sentinel