Post and Courier hires Myrtle Beach’s Browning as new publisher

The Post and Courier has hired P.J. Browning of the Sun News in Myrtle Beach to serve as its next publisher.

Browning, publisher at The Sun News, will start in Charleston in mid-August and work alongside outgoing Publisher Bill Hawkins, who is retiring.

“Charleston is an incredible move for me professionally,” Browning said after announcing her move to The Sun News staff Thursday. “I have admired the journalism of The Post and Courier from afar and I feel privileged to be joining the team. The newspaper has a long history of providing quality journalism to the Charleston area and I look forward to becoming an integral member of the community and the newspaper. It’s truly an honor for me.”

During her time with The Sun News, Browning used her advertising background to help the newspaper compete in a highly competitive market in which tourism plays a pivotal role. She has made extensive contributions toward repositioning the newspaper and The McClatchy Company more competitively.

“P.J. brings a distinguished record as a publisher and a genuine passion for newspapers,” Hawkins said. “She’s an absolutely perfect choice to continue The Post and Courier’s 209-year-old tradition of excellence. She’ll prove to be a major asset to the greater Charleston community.”

Hawkins announced his retirement in the spring, but plans on working alongside Browning through the rest of 2012.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that we could lure P.J. to The Post and Courier, and I am excited about working side by side with her during a transition period,” Hawkins said.

Prior to her role with The Sun News, Browning was a publisher for McClatchy and Knight Ridder, at the Centre Daily Times in State College, Pa.; The Sentinel in Carlisle, Pa.; and The Telegraph in Macon, Ga.

“McClatchy has been a wonderful company to me and my family for many years and it was a truly difficult decision to leave,” Browning said. “My husband has been by my side as we’ve moved and grown with my career over the past 28 plus years, and the move to Charleston is one that is going to allow him to pursue his career while still affording me the opportunity to do what I love.”

Mark Zieman, McClatchy vice president of operations, said, “P.J. is a very talented executive with a great track record as a newspaper leader. We appreciate the many contributions she’s made to our company. We hate to see her go, but we are confident that her team will keep the momentum going in Myrtle Beach.”