Robin Jovanovich, owner and publisher of The Rye Record, announced, just before the October 13 issue went to press, that she has sold the newspaper and website to two longtime Rye residents, Zac Wydra and Jon Elsen. 

Wydra, CEO of First Manhattan Co., will work with Elsen on strategy and planning. Elsen, a former editor at The New York Times and New York Post, will serve as Editor and Publisher, responsible for day-to-day operations. “Zac and I both love Rye, and we aim to provide the city with news coverage that is thorough, accurate, and fair,” Elsen said. “We also believe it’s important for The Record to be interesting and engaging.”

The new owners plan to work closely with Jovanovich, who will serve as Publisher Emeritus, during a period of transition. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

“We hope to pick up where Robin left off after 25 years with the paper,” said Wydra. “She and the paper’s founder, Dolores Eyler, have done an outstanding job building and creating the newspaper we all love and depend on. We consider owning The Record a privilege, and an opportunity to serve our community.”

Elsen added, “The Record has a lot of terrific writers, columnists, photographers, and staff. We’ll also be looking to add new writers to cover news, sports, and features, as well as editors and advertising sales staff.”