Doug Toney, the award-winning editor and publisher of the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung and a longtime advocate for open government in Texas, announced Thursday his retirement after four decades in journalism.

Toney told employees the time has come to step aside. The Texas Daily Newspaper Association honored Toney in 2008 with its "Newspaper Leader of the Year" award, and he served as chairman in the last legislative session of a state press association committee that pushes for greater transparency.

"To have served this newspaper and this community has been an incredible privilege. I have often counted my blessings that I could work in a community where people hoped to live in retirement," Toney said. "I'm looking forward to experiencing what it is like to be retired in New Braunfels."

Under Toney, the Herald-Zeitung won more than 100 statewide awards in the newsroom and advertising and circulation departments. He also formerly served as managing editor of the Galveston Daily News and the Denton Record-Chronicle, and was a reporter and editor at other papers in the Midwest.

Toney was a strong defender of open government who served 12 years on the legislative advisory committee of the Texas Press Association/Texas Daily Newspaper Association. He has been an advocate in supporting and testifying for legislation that promotes open government and the public's right to know, and has worked diligently against bills that would erode or restrict public access to government.

Next month, Toney will be inducted into the hall of fame of Ball State University's School of Journalism.

Toney told Southern Newspapers about his decision to retire several weeks ago.

"Doug Toney is one of the finest examples of what a newspaper publisher can and should be to his newspaper and community," said Lissa Vahldiek, chief operating officer of Southern Newspapers.


The newspaper reported that Toney's last day will be April 27. The Herald-Zeitung is owned by Southern Newspapers Inc.