Asheville Citizen-Times hires McCuan, former Verve editor, and Lunsford, Xpress food writer

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Mountain Xpress breaks the news:

The corporate newspaper chain will be launching a new product soon. Former Verve editor Jess McCuan will be at the helm. She and Citizen-Times publisher Randy Hammer have recruited Xpress food writer, Mackensy Lunsford, to play an active role in the publication.

The hires come just as the Citizen-Times has begun charging for its online content. McCuan, who just left Verve magazine, has extensive magazine writing and newspaper writing experience. Lunsford is the Xpress’s award-winning food writer.

Both will bring their considerable talents to the newspaper, which is touting three main areas of focus in marketing materials: its watchdog journalism; its coverage of the area’s small businesses and entrepreneurs; and increased coverage of Asheville’s “culinary and cultural” scene.