Andrew Keatts has been appointed as the new editor and general manager of the Times of San Diego, effective September 8, 2023. This transition follows the tenure of founding editor Chris Jennewein, who has led the publication for over a decade and will now focus on developing community partnerships. Keatts, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in San Diego’s news landscape, intends to enhance the newspaper’s offerings by fostering a deeper connection with the community.
In an interview reflecting on his new role, Keatts expressed his commitment to building trust and rapport with readers. He emphasized the importance of showing the audience that the publication is “trusted, part of the community, and shares their values.” His personal journey into journalism began at the age of twelve when he cut out an article from his local newspaper that celebrated his Pop Warner football team’s championship victory. This early experience ignited his passion for journalism and community engagement.
Vision for Expansion and Community Focus
Keatts succeeds Jennewein, who has been pivotal in establishing the Times of San Diego as a leading source of online news. Under Jennewein’s leadership, the publication expanded significantly, particularly with the integration of the San Diego Community Newspaper Group in May 2023, which includes seven local news sites. This growth aligns with the broader mission of NEWSWELL, a nonprofit organization based at Arizona State University that aims to transform local news. NEWSWELL provides operational support to local newsrooms, allowing journalists to concentrate on reporting.
Keatts plans to broaden the scope of coverage at the Times of San Diego, introducing more feature stories, investigative pieces, and in-depth neighborhood reporting across San Diego County. He also envisions incorporating long-form articles reminiscent of those from San Diego’s alt-weekly newspapers. “So much has been lost from local coverage. It’s not a matter of replacing it all at once,” Keatts remarked, recognizing the challenges facing local journalism.
His extensive background includes significant achievements during his previous roles. Keatts spent nearly a decade with Voice of San Diego, where he was known for his investigative reporting. Notably, he uncovered substantial discrepancies within the San Diego Association of Governments, leading to accountability and legislative reforms.
A Commitment to Community and Local Journalism
Keatts’ journey to the Times of San Diego involved various roles in journalism, including a stint as a City Hall reporter for The Daily Transcript. His experiences have equipped him with a disciplined approach to daily reporting, which he attributes to the rigorous demands of his early career. After transitioning to more editorial roles, he sought opportunities that would allow him to influence news coverage positively.
His love for San Diego, combined with a desire to contribute to the local media landscape, has been a driving force throughout his career. Keatts is also passionate about music and maintains an active lifestyle, running 25 to 30 miles a week while spending time with his wife and two children.
As he steps into this new leadership role, Keatts is energized by the potential for storytelling and community engagement. “I think the potential is huge,” he stated, looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for both the Times of San Diego and its affiliated community news outlets, such as the La Jolla Village News and Beach & Bay Press.
With a clear vision and a commitment to serving the community, Andrew Keatts is poised to lead the Times of San Diego into a new chapter, reinforcing its role as a vital source of news and information in the region.
