'The Oklahoman' Reveals 'Major' Reorganization -- With New Web Focus

By: Joe Strupp The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City announced what it termed a ?major reorganization? today that it claims is ?designed to enhance how news, information and advertising are delivered.?

Among the key changes is the promotion of Chris Reen, vice president of sales and marketing, to a new executive vice presidency in which he will oversee news, along with four other departments. The changes were announced Thursday by Christy Everest, chairman of the Oklahoma Publishing Company.

?David Thompson is now president of OPUBCO Communications Group and publisher of The Oklahoman,? Everest said in the paper. "I am confident in David's ability to lead us through this changing media climate. He is forward thinking and has the right team.?

The paper added that ?all news, information and advertising services are now under OPUBCO Communications Group which has been in place for multimedia and advertising for more than a year.?

A key change for the news department is that Reen will oversee four departments, including news and information, as well as advertising and marketing, audience development and a newly created ?community engagement? department.

Ed Kelley will continue as editor of the paper, while Sue Hale, executive editor, will become vice president of community engagement. Kelly Fry, vice president of multimedia, is now vice president of news and information, ?combining both NewsOK.com and The Oklahoman news and information center into a single department focusing on content development across multiple platforms.?

"The Oklahoman continues to be our crown jewel,? Thompson said in the paper. "However, NewsOK.com has moved to the forefront of Internet news and information for our state.

"We are excited that Chris Reen has accepted the opportunity to play a key role, along with Ed Kelley and Kelly Fry, in continuing our growth and diversification of products.?

In other restructuring, print production and circulation will be under Vice President of Operations Pat Dennis. Internal service departments, finance, human resources and building services, will now roll up under Vice President of Finance and Shared Services Brian Szymanski.