Scott Angus worked for 36 years at The (Janesville) Gazette, including 25 as editor, before retiring in 2015.
Angus, a Fort Atkinson native, started his career in high school and college by working for the Daily Jefferson County Union, where his father, Robert Angus, served as managing editor. Robert Angus, who died in 1995, was posthumously inducted into the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2012.
After graduating from UW-Madison in 1978, Scott Angus began his career at The Gazette, covering the city and crime beats. Angus was promoted to city editor, news editor and managing editor before being named editor of the newspaper in 1991. In 2005, he was named vice president of news for Bliss Communications, Inc., owner of The Gazette.
Angus was known as an innovative leader who understands the power of the press and inspires fellow journalists to do always their best work. He held high the principals and ethics of journalism in every decision.
Angus led a team that in 2004 produced an innovative redesign of The Gazette to appeal to light readers. The redesign was selected by Inland Press Association as one of the year’s top 10 newspaper innovations, and Editor & Publisher selected the newspaper as one of “Ten That Do It Right.” The new format allowed The Gazette to dive deeply into stories while also giving readers a sampling of all other news of the day.
Despite being a relatively small daily newspaper, The Gazette frequently punched above its weight under Angus’ leadership. Investigative journalism was expected, high-quality writing was essential and being grounded in the community was non-negotiable. Angus set that tone, both within the newsroom and within the greater community.
