Dale Brendel named News Press publisher

Dale Brendel

Veteran newspaper executive Dale Brendel has been promoted to publisher of the Stillwater (Okla.) News Press.

Brendel, 51, has been editor and general manager of the News Press since November of 2013.

As publisher, he will be responsible for all operations of the daily newspaper, related publications and the paper's website: stwnewspress.com. He will also continue to serve as the paper's editor.

"We're excited to have Dale in this new role," said Steve McPhaul, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc., parent company of the New Press. "His depth of newspaper experience will ensure that the paper continues to grow right along with the vibrant market it serves."

Brendel said since coming to the News Press he has been focused on serving readers with comprehensive local news and sports coverage, and aligning the newspaper with the community's interests and expectations.

"We are going to continue to do the best job we can to fulfill those core responsibilities as we prepare to head into the new year,"  he said.

In addition to publishing the daily newspaper in print and online, the News Press provides around-the-clock digital news at stwnewspress.com and produces Stillwater Style magazine plus apartment guides, a medical directory, a dining guide and Stilly magazine.

"The News Press is growing total audience through our traditional print products and our new digital and social media platforms," Brendel said. "We strive to be the credible voice of Stillwater and our Central Oklahoma market."

Before joining the News Press, Brendel was general manager and executive editor of the Leavenworth (Kan.) Times for nearly four years. Prior to that he served as executive editor and general manager of the Independence (Mo.) Examiner, and managing editor of the McAlester (Okla.) News-Capital. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Brendel said he and his wife, Amber, have relished the arts, culture and sports venues in Stillwater and environs, especially the availability of activities at Oklahoma State University. The couple's five-month-old daughter, Pyper, was born in Stillwater.

"This past year my family and I have enjoyed getting to know the Stillwater community," said Brendel. "It's a wonderful place to live, work and raise our first child. We are proud to call it home."