Vince Johnson, group publisher of Gulf Coast Media since October 2021, has joined the ownership group, the company announced recently.
Johnson joins Kyle Osteen and Jack Osteen as partners in Gulf Coast Media, which operates newspapers, magazines and digital operations, including GulfCoastMedia.com. Johnson also joins both Osteens in the ownership group of The Lexington County Chronicle in South Carolina as part of a separate agreement.
Johnson will continue in his role as publisher of Gulf Coast Media, The Sumter Item, also in South Carolina, and The Lexington County Chronicle.
“We believe independent, local ownership for local news is essential, and we’re excited to bring Baldwin County and the Alabama Gulf Coast a vibrant local news source for years to come,” the company said in a joint statement.
Gulf Coast Media produces The Courier, The Onlooker and The Islander newspapers for Baldwin County each Wednesday, as well as The Baldwin Times every Friday. The company also produces a variety of magazines, including Beachin’, the Alabama Gulf Coast Visitors Guide, Big Beautiful Baldwin and numerous guides to festivals and the county.
Best of Baldwin, a relatively new readers choice contest and event that has grown significantly in recent years, is also a staple of Gulf Coast Media’s annual schedule.
“I’m bullish on Baldwin County, and I’m excited to see our company transform in service to our quickly growing population,” Johnson said. “We’re really excited to be here, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next.”
Johnson lives in Foley with his wife, Brooke.
