Editor & Publisher names Angela Kuper Copeland 'Editor Extraordinaire'

Angela Kuper Copeland, editor of The Paper, was recently named 2024 Editor Extraordinaire by the national newspaper trade publication, Editor & Publisher.

The magazine will feature Copeland’s award in its upcoming May edition.

Copeland joins several other similarly recognized newspaper editors selected after a recent nationwide search of newspapers large and small, daily and weekly.

“The news media industry is often focused on the people in the spotlight, but the contributions of those behind the scenes are truly immeasurable,” Robin Blinder, editor-in-chief of E&P, said recently.

“In newsrooms across the country, editors carry heavy responsibilities. They lead the newsroom, determine what stories should be told and challenge assertions with unwavering commitment to the public’s interest,” she said. “Their insight, experience and leadership are indispensable and elevate journalism to new heights. Despite not being as celebrated as bylined reporters or columnists, their invaluable contributions cannot be overlooked.”

Armed with a bachelor’s in journalism from Auburn University and a master’s in English from Troy University, Copeland joined The Paper in late 2022 as a part-time education reporter. It wasn’t long before she was covering Burke County’s schools, teachers, and students as a full-time reporter. She conceived, designed, and launched The Paper’s A&E section and became its editor in the third quarter of 2023.

In January 2024, Copeland was promoted to Managing Editor of The Paper, a newly created position that was part of an emerging management succession plan for Burke County’s largest all-local, locally owned print and digital newspaper.

In May 2024, Copeland was promoted to Editor, replacing Bill Poteat who was named Editor Emeritus.

“Angela oversees the daily production of digital stories and newsletters and meticulously constructs and edits the weekly, 36-page, two-section print edition, winner of 23 state and national awards last year,” said The Paper Publisher Allen VanNoppen. “Under her leadership, The Paper has reorganized print and digital content to increase coverage and relevancy without reducing staff.

“Her editorial writing is crisp, thought-provoking, and relevant,” VanNoppen said. “Her editorial eye is sharp and clear. Her judgment of what is and what isn’t news is spot on. She instills in our reporting staff a sharp sense of journalistic balance with respect to controversy and courage.

“It’s no wonder she’s been named E&P’s Editor Extraordinaire,” he said.