What's NEWS at the Oakland Group

Kentucky Gazette sold to new publisher

The Kentucky Gazette, advertising partner of The Oakland Group and the first newspaper in the U.S. established west of the Allegheny Mountains, has been purchased by Gravel Switch Publishing, a firm owned and operated by Gazette editor Laura Cullen Glasscock. The transaction was finalized in early March. Terms of the purchase were not released. Previously owned and published by Lowell Reese, the Kentucky Gazette is a Frankfort-based public affairs journal that primarily covers Kentucky politics and state government. The award-winning publication is the only one of its kind in the state, and it enjoys distribution and a wide readership in political and business communities in the Commonwealth. Glasscock began as a political reporter with the Gazette in 1998 before she was promoted to editor in 2000. During her tenure she has brought some significant changes to the Gazette, including a recent redesign of the publication and an expansion of the advertising base, which has been done in concert with The Oakland Group. "I'm very proud of the Gazette and look forward to carrying on the strong journalistic history established by Lowell," said Glasscock. "It's an exciting time for the paper, and we have some plans to modernize the publication without compromising what we do best – keeping our readers informed of government, politics and business." Glasscock indicated that Reese will remain as an official advisor to the newspaper through the end of 2008. "It’s always bittersweet to sell something that means so much to me, but I couldn't think of a more deserving person I'd want to assume ownership than Laura," said Reese. "She combines a high level of ethics and integrity with good instincts for journalism. She's also knowledgeable about the business of publishing newspapers. I'm sure she'll do a wonderful job for the readers of The Kentucky Gazette." Glasscock indicated that growing the publication's advertising would be a top priority, though other changes will be forthcoming. "We will continue to expand the advertising opportunities in the Gazette, and The Oakland Group will be a key player in helping us achieve that goal," Glasscock said. "This partnership will allow our staff to focus on its primary goal of great news reporting while handing off the advertising responsibilities to a quality outside firm."