With 23 years of experience in the publishing industry, and a current focus on
monthly community magazines, Matt Nelson, owner of Active Media, will take
over as the owner and publisher of the Mountain Times.
Nelson fondly recalled his first job delivering newspapers and credits it with
starting him on his path to his publishing career.
“My passion is in print. It always has been,” he said, adding that he was
excited when the opportunity to take on publishing a community-focused
newspaper was presented to him.
“The focus of our publications is to show the good going on in the
communities, highlight local businesses and help readers discover those
hidden gems in the region that people may know about or not,” Nelson said.
As the owner of Active Media, Nelson publishes monthly magazines that
present news and events in communities throughout Oregon and Southwest
Washington, including the cities of Canby, Keizer and Tigard. Based out of
Aurora, Active Media currently employs more than 40 staff members to
provide coverage throughout the region.
“We find that we tend to do best when we work in regions that have a strong
sense of local pride,” Nelson said.
After 13 years of working as a reporter, editor and finally owner and publisher
of the Mountain Times, Garth Guibord will step away from the newspaper
industry to pursue other opportunities. The paper has been in many ways a
family business for Guibord, who took ownership of the paper in 2021 with his
wife.
“When I started at the paper in 2010, I would often bring my son with me to
interviews, usually in a pouch on my back or on my chest. Everyone was just

fine with that,” Guibord said. “Working at the Mountain Times allowed me to
be at home for both my boys, which is something I'll always be grateful for.”
While Guibord is excited to pursue new opportunities, he also has confidence
in Nelson’s ability to represent the voices and needs of the Mount Hood
communities.
“I’m excited for the future of the paper under Matt. He has a tremendous
amount of respect for the paper and the community and wants to build on
what makes it so successful,” he said.
Nelson will take over publishing in May in preparation for the June paper.

Nelson said his focus will be on continuing coverage of the schools, non-
profits, local businesses and “jumping in with both feet” to provide great local

coverage.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone on the Mountain,” Nelson
added.