Gary Castor is managing editor of the Jefferson City News Tribune. He supervises the work of reporters, photographers and page designers that appears on news and features pages at the News Tribune. He is a member of the News Tribune editorial board, which is responsible for the local opinion pieces that appear as "Our Opinion" on the editorial page. He also serves as managing editor of the newsrooms at the Fulton Sun and California Democrat newspapers, providing guidance and supervision to those newspapers' editors and editorial staff.
A 1983 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, he has worked in Missouri newspapers as a reporter, city editor, page designer and design editor. In 2008, Central Missouri Newspapers Inc. hired Castor as a niche publications editor responsible for development of special publications of the newspaper. In 2009, he was named managing editor of the three CMNI newsrooms.
Castor is active in the Missouri Press Association and Associated Press Managing Editors. He is a former adjunct professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. He is a member of the United Way of Central Missouri Governing Body and the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Jefferson City.
He and his wife, Debbie, live in Wardsville; they have two children, Sarah and Garrison.
His interests outside the newsroom include coaching youth baseball and yearly mission trips with high school students on community service projects that have included trips to Florida, Texas, Colorado, Wyoming and Pennsylvania as well as Canada and Puerto Rico.
Recent stories by Gary Castor
From the Editor: Important to stay informed
All my career, I've worked in newsrooms.While they have varied greatly in size and personalities, the constant has been they are engaging atmospheres where multiple conversations and sounds emanate from the messy desks where journalists are crafting the news of the day.
Mar. 22 2020 @ 12:05am
From the Editor: Changing seasons remind of NT reader advisor board, inclement weather policy
I was reminded this week of the rapidly approaching change of seasons as I dusted the snowflakes off the Halloween decorations.
Nov. 3 2019 @ 12:05am
From the Editor: Sharp line should divide news, opinion
As we recognize National Newspaper Week, it's all too apparent today the line between news and opinion is often blurred to the point that it's difficult if not impossible to distinguish one from the other.
Oct. 9 2019 @ 12:05am
From the Editor: Free lunch? No such thing
Why isn't news free? It's a common question asked of journalists who charge for access to a printed newspaper or a digital website.
Oct. 6 2019 @ 12:05am
News Tribune to debut website redesign Thursday
The Jefferson City News Tribune will debut a redesigned website tomorrow that presents our award-winning news, features, columns and multimedia in a new format that is responsive to the type of device you use.
Aug. 28 2019 @ 4:45pm
Nominate a 'hero of the storm'
A couple of weeks ago, we invited readers to nominate those who became heroes of the May 22 storm that hit parts of Jefferson City and Eldon.
Jul. 24 2019 @ 12:05am
From the Editor: New comic to appear in Sunday papers
Beginning Feb. 24, the News Tribune will add an old favorite to our new Sunday comics lineup. "Marmaduke," a cartoon strip that chronicles the adventures of the Winslow family and their laughable/lovable Great Dane, will join our Sunday lineup.
Feb. 17 2019 @ 12:05am
Let's finish strong at polls
Elections are a marathon for a political candidate — and for journalists and voters.The race begins with much fanfare and excitement.
Aug. 5 2018 @ 12:05am
From the editor: When selecting news content, we prioritize local
The conversation inevitably leads to whether the reader is referring to the opinion pages — where columnists, cartoonists and letter writers express pointed political views — or news pages, which account for the remaining 90 percent of the paper.
Within the past year or so, comments have become directed at national and international stories on our news pages. They are quick to point out that the reporting on local issues is solid, accurate and fair. But when it comes to stories about President Donald Trump in particular, the complaints are quick to come.
Feb. 17 2018 @ 10:52pm
From the Editor: An antidote for fake news
Nationally, the news industry is launching a new set of transparency standards designed to help readers more clearly assess the quality and reliability of the news they consume. Consider it an antidote for the viral disease of fake news.
Nov. 19 2017 @ 4:00am
17 in '17: #jcmo women in business at the top of their game
The staff at #jcmo Inside Business annually compiles a list of exceptional women from Central Missouri who have had an incredible impact on their organization and the community as a whole.
Oct. 30 2017 @ 12:00am