Change
BY World's Editorials Writers
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
2/26/13 at 8:59 AM
Change is inevitable, especially so in the newspaper business, an industry in transition.
It was announced Monday that the Tulsa World, the city's major newspaper for more than 100 years and one of a dwindling number of family-owned papers, will be bought by Omaha, Neb., financier Warren Buffett's newspaper group, BH Media Group.
As an editorial staff, we are saddened that the Lorton family, including current publisher and CEO Robert E. Lorton III and Chairman Robert E. Lorton - Bobby and Bob as we know them - depart as owners of the World. Their passion for Tulsa, witnessed by their active participation in numerous community and charitable causes, is obvious. Their mark on the city will never fade. And on a more personal note, the leeway and support they gave the editorial staff in addressing the issues and concerns of the day will not be forgotten.
Come next month, the World will be a part of a family of 28 daily newspapers nationwide owned by BH Media Group, all of them good ones. The hallmark of the papers owned by Buffett's group, in addition to their quality, is one of local control and local decision-making. Toward that end, John R. Bair, who has been the paper's president and COO, will become publisher.
The sale to BH Media Group ensures that the World will continue to be a viable business as well as a voice of the city and state.
The Tulsa World will move ahead in the proud tradition established by four generations of the Lorton family. We thank the Lortons and welcome our new owners.
