Well-known New Jersey journalist Joe Territo has been named executive editor of the New Jersey Hills Media Group, a leading local news provider for 50 communities across Essex, Hunterdon, Morri, and Somerset counties.
Elizabeth Parker, who served as executive editor for 42 years, is transitioning into a part-time role.
A Morristown native, Territo began his journalism career as an intern with New Jersey Hills Media Group. He later was a Morris County reporter for The Star-Ledger and a founding editor of NJ.com. He has also held executive roles with NJ.com parent Advance Local, and multiple business information providers, focused on evolving media to serve audiences in this digital age.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to New Jersey Hills Media Group,” Amanda Richardson, publisher of the New Jersey Hills Media Group and executive director of the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media, the nonprofit that owns the newspapers, said. “Joe’s local news strategy, operations expertise, and digital acumen will help us build on the strong foundation of quality journalism established by Liz. This marks a pivotal step forward in our mission to innovate and expand the future of local media.”
Territo will oversee the New Jersey Hills Media Group content strategy. He will lead the newsroom’s talented team to ensure continued delivery of impactful and engaging journalism. Territo also will join the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media senior management team to help grow the organization.
“Joe brings a wealth of experience and a broad perspective that will enhance our newsroom and further our mission of quality journalism,” CNJLM Board Chair Lisa Bhimani said.
“His leadership is not only a boon for our publications but also an invaluable asset to CNJLM. With his commitment to supporting local journalism, Joe will play a pivotal role in strengthening our community ties and ensuring that our readers continue to receive accurate, insightful news that matters.”
Parker, whose family owned New Jersey Hills Media Group until its acquisition by the Corporation for New Jersey Local Media in 2022, will remain actively involved during the leadership transition and beyond. In her part-time role, she will serve as a valued senior advisor to the group, and she will continue to support its editorial efforts.
“I am delighted Joe is taking the editorial helm of New Jersey Hills Media Group,” she said. “He has a strong news background in digital and print media and will help lead New Jersey Hills Media Group digital and print offerings into the next generation. I also think it is great he got a start here as a summer intern with what was then the Roxbury Register.”
