Matt Christensen has been hired as the new editor of The Montana Standard.
The former city editor of the La Crosse Tribune in La Crosse, Wis., Christensen has worked at newspapers in Twin Falls, Idaho, and Winona, Minn.
“I’m truly thrilled to be leading such a talented newsroom,” Christensen said. “Like the region it covers, the Standard has a rich history and promising future. I plan to take full advantage of the opportunity.”
Christensen, 32, led a team of award-winning journalists at the Tribune, which was named Lee Enterprises’ enterprise of the year during his tenure.
He won numerous awards covering features and natural resources as a beat reporter at the Twin Falls Times-News from 2005 to 2008 and was city editor of the Winona Daily News from 2008 until he was hired to oversee the Tribune reporting staff in 2011.
He is a graduate of Iowa State University, and he and his wife, Melissa, have two daughters, ages 2 and 5. Christensen is a native of East Moline, Ill.
As editor, Christensen will oversee print and online news operations.
Standard general manager Lynn Lloyd said Christensen will provide new ideas and direction for the newsroom, while building on a continued focus of local news coverage.
“The Standard is the No. 1 source of news in southwestern Montana, according to Pulse Research Inc., and
Matt’s leadership in the news department will only enhance that standing,” Lloyd said. “Matt will be a good addition to the paper — and to the community.”
Christensen replaces Gerry O’Brien, who left the Standard in January to become editor of the Klamath Falls, Ore., newspaper.
