Signal Ohio is pleased to announce that Mike Canan will join the organization as Chief Content Officer, leading editorial strategy across its growing network of independent, nonprofit newsrooms serving communities throughout Ohio.
Canan brings more than two decades of experience leading and strengthening digital, print and broadcast journalism. In his new role, he will work closely with Signal Ohio’s newsroom editors and journalists to deepen collaboration across the network, strengthen enterprise and public service reporting, grow digital and newsletter audiences, and develop innovative ways to reach and serve more Ohioans.
“Mike brings a rare combination of newsroom leadership, digital innovation and a deep commitment to journalism that puts communities first,” said Susan Brownknight, CEO of Signal Ohio. “As Signal Ohio grows, we want to make sure the journalism at the heart of our mission grows stronger with us. Mike understands how to help newsrooms do ambitious work while staying focused on what audiences need, and I’m thrilled to have him helping lead this next chapter for Signal Ohio.”
Canan most recently served as Senior Director of Journalism Strategies for the Scripps Howard Fund/Foundation, where he helped expand programs supporting local journalism and the next generation of journalists. His work included helping launch the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, which brings together college and high school students to provide local reporting across a 10-county news desert in Mississippi.
He also oversaw a significant expansion of the Fund’s internship program, including an increased focus on placing emerging journalists in nonprofit newsrooms. During his five years leading the organization’s journalism efforts, Canan helped raise more than $13 million to support journalism programs for college students.
Before joining the Scripps Howard Fund/Foundation, Canan spent 15 years leading digital, print and broadcast newsrooms within the E.W. Scripps Company.
At Signal Ohio, Canan will lead the development of an audience-focused content strategy across the network while working alongside newsroom editors to strengthen editorial planning and identify opportunities for collaboration. He will also lead statewide coverage around major events such as elections, help develop journalism that spans the communities Signal Ohio serves, and support the editorial strategy and launch of future Signal Ohio newsrooms.
Canan lives in Cincinnati with his wife, Hillary, and their sons, Rhys and Wes. He has completed 20 marathons and helped found PF Flyers Baseball, a nonprofit youth travel baseball organization where he also coaches.
Canan will begin his role with Signal Ohio on Sept. 14.