Brian Burns, the publisher of the Ledger Media Group, announced Monday he will be leaving his position as of July 25.
The Media Group publishes The Ledger, the News Chief, and other local publications. Burns, 45, became the publisher in January 2017.
Burns said he’s leaving to start his own digital technology company for magazines and newspapers in the Tampa Bay area. He is developing a phone app that can capture print images and use them to deliver additional content.
Jim Doughton, the retired publisher of the Gainesville Sun and Ocala Star-Banner, also GateHouse newspapers, will serve as interim publisher until Burns’ successor is hired, Burns added.
Burns said he would continue to follow Polk through The Ledger from his Tampa home.
“I look forward to seeing The Ledger grow within the community as our journalists work tirelessly each day to inform the citizens of Polk County,” Burns said.