Bridget Wingert, an icon in Bucks County journalism, has announced she will step down as executive editor of the weekly Bucks County Herald in September. She will focus her energies on the long-term sustainability of the Herald organization as chair of the Bucks County Herald Foundation Board of Directors.
“I love the Herald and all that it means to the communities we serve,” said Wingert, whose career began in 1968 as assistant editor for the Delaware Valley Advance in Langhorne. “The Bucks County Herald Foundation keeps local news alive and I want to do all that I can to make sure that we continue to thrive for years to come.”
Formed in 2020, the Bucks County Herald Foundation is registered as a 501(c (3) charitable organization in Pennsylvania. In the past two years, it has become a model for nonprofit news and it has received extraordinary support from the communities it serves – the advertisers, the many contributors, the large and small organizations and local governments, and of course, the dedicated readers.
Publisher Joseph G. Wingert said he is grateful that his mother will continue to provide her leadership in helping the organization grow and meeting the needs of its readers by ensuring the Herald has the financial resources and support that is critical to fulfilling its mission of providing local news that is both informative and serves to strengthen communities.
“My mother’s insights are invaluable,” said Joe Wingert. “Her connections with so many people and organizations in the region will help us build even stronger, long-lasting relationships.”
Bridget and her husband, the late Joseph T. Wingert, founded the Bucks County Herald in 2002. They led the Herald on a trajectory of continuous growth as other print publications suffered dramatic declines. From a modest goal to serve Solebury, Plumstead, Bedminster and Tinicum townships with a weekly newspaper, the Herald has expanded to become the largest, independently owned news organization in Bucks and surrounding counties, covering 30 municipalities and six school districts. Weekly readership in print and online exceeds 250,000.
“For two decades, we have provided trusted, nonpartisan local news that helps keep readers informed and our public sector accountable,” said Bridget Wingert. “We also serve as a community hub — one that keeps us connected, and supports local organizations, businesses, schools, the arts, culture and sports.”
The Bucks County Herald Foundation Board of Directors has formally begun its search for the Herald’s next editor in chief. The goal is to have someone in place by Sept. 1.
“Our new editor will have big shoes to fill,” said Joe Wingert. “What my mother has been able to accomplish in the face of unprecedented economic challenges in the newspaper industry has been incredible. While no one can truly replace her, we are confident our new editorial leader will enable us to continue its mission of delivering original, local news that keeps our citizenry informed and our community strong.”
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