Observer Media Group names new publisher

Observer Media Group Inc. announced the promotion Monday, May 13, of Michael Eng as editor and publisher for the West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Observer newspapers.

Eng, a West Orange resident, most recently served as executive editor for all of the company’s publications in Orange County. 

“I am excited on multiple fronts — for Mike and his family; for the West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer, the Observer serving Windermere, Horizon West and Dr. Phillips; our website, OrangeObserver.com; all of our Observer staffers; and the West Orange County readers and communities we serve,” said Matt Walsh, CEO of the Observer Media Group.

Eng, 41, began his career with Observer Media Group in 2000 as a staff writer for the East County Observer, which serves the Lakewood Ranch community in Bradenton and Sarasota. He was promoted to managing editor of that paper in 2003.

In 2012, Eng and his family moved to Plant City to open and lead the Plant City Observer as general manager and managing editor. 

Following the Observer Media Group’s purchase of The West Orange Times in 2014, the company asked Eng to move to launch and lead the company’s news editorial efforts in Orange County.

“Mike is nearing his 20th anniversary with our company, and in that time he has served as editor of five of our papers,” Walsh said. “And with each one, he led his staffs to creating and producing great community newspapers that help build stronger communities.

“I am excited that Mike and his staff will continue our mission and build the leading media source of local news and information for West Orange,” Walsh said.

All five newspapers Eng has led have earned first-place recognition from the Florida Press Association for reporting, photography and design.

“I have spent nearly two decades learning how to create newspapers that not only reflect the communities they cover but also give readers a sense of pride in their hometown,” Eng said. “Now, I’m excited for the opportunity to use that knowledge to help our business partners grow and prosper.”

Eng and his wife, Jessica, who is the Observers’ design editor, have a son, age 11, and two daughters, ages 9 and 2.