Raheem Soto stepped into a new role this week as Publisher of The Messenger, marking a first in the paper’s long history. He’s the first minority to hold the title since The Messenger began printing more than 140 years ago.
Soto began writing for The Messenger in January 2025 and quickly became a recognizable byline. But his work in local journalism goes back much further. Before joining the paper, he wore many hats at The Brookhaven News and The South Shore Press—writing, editing, and handling layout and graphics across multiple sections.
“I absolutely believe that Raheem is the right person to take the paper to the next level,” said former publisher Diane Caudullo, who officially passed the torch on Monday.
“He understands how the business works—print, digital, advertising—and he really knows the communities we serve.”
Soto has lived in Suffolk County for thirty-five years, with the last twenty spent on the East End. Over the years, he’s covered town boards, school budgets, public safety, and elections—often bringing attention to underrepresented voices and overlooked details.
A Familiar Face in a Changing Industry
Founded in the 1880s, The Messenger has long been a fixture in Suffolk County’s media landscape. Based in Ronkonkoma, it covers government, schools, business, and breaking news across all hamlets and villages within Smithtown, Brookhaven, and Islip, as well as county-wide, statewide, and national news pertinent to the towns of coverage.
Soto takes over at a time when local newspapers across the country are shrinking or folding. His approach isn’t about dramatic reinvention—it’s about reinforcing what works.
“We’re not trying to be flashy,” said Soto. “We’re trying to be dependable. People still want solid reporting on the things that actually affect their lives—local taxes, school votes, crime in their neighborhood. That’s what we’re here for.”
The Messenger’s Editor-in-Chief, Matt Meduri, shares the anticipation of stepping into the next chapter of the paper’s history.
“We’ve done something relatively unthinkable in the modern era: making a newspaper grow. We’ve captured something so far; now the task is to take it to the next level in terms of size and scope,” said Meduri. “Raheem Soto has worked every position imaginable in the paper business. We couldn’t have someone more intimately acquainted with the process to climb aboard and help us bring this operation to full steam.”
Eyes on Growth
In addition to managing the weekly print edition, Soto is focused on expanding the paper’s digital footprint—improving social media reach, growing subscriptions, and rebuilding relationships with local advertisers.
He’s also spending time outside the office—reconnecting with business owners, veterans groups, civic associations, and longtime subscribers.
“This paper has always been about real people and real stories,” he said. “We’re going to keep showing up. That’s how you earn trust.”
