Ogden Newspapers: A Legacy of Family Ownership and Growth
Founded in 1890 by H.C. Ogden, Ogden Newspapers stands as a testament to enduring family leadership in the American media landscape. For over a century, the company has evolved from a local venture into a significant regional publisher, maintaining a rare continuity of ownership across four generations.
Family Leadership and Ownership
The company is currently managed by the descendants of H.C. Ogden. The current CEO, Robert Nutting, represents the fourth generation of the Ogden-Nutting family to lead the organization. Robert Nutting is the son of G. Ogden Nutting and is also well-known as the principal owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates professional baseball team.
Strategic Acquisitions and Portfolio Expansion
Over the decades, Ogden Newspapers has strategically expanded its footprint through various acquisitions of local publications.
The Byrd Family Acquisition
In March 2018, the company significantly increased its presence by purchasing all newspapers owned by the Byrd family. This acquisition included several key titles:
- The Winchester Star
- Daily News-Record
- The Page News and Courier
- The Warren Sentinel
- The Shenandoah Valley-Herald
- The Valley Banner
Western Expansion and Recent Growth
On January 1, 2022, Ogden Newspapers expanded its reach into the Western United States by taking over Swift Communications, a company with publications operating in Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California.
Further growth continued in 2024 with the purchase of The Dominion Post, based in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Operational Shifts and Modernization
The company has navigated both editorial controversies and technological transitions. In October 1984, two of its publications, The Intelligencer and The Evening Journal, removed the Doonesbury comic strip due to objections regarding the strip's coverage of Ronald Reagan.
To modernize its digital infrastructure, Ogden agreed in 2025 to license LocalRoad, a content management system (CMS)—the software used to create and manage digital content—from CherryRoad Media.
In a shift toward local nonprofit ownership, the company sold The Maui News to a local nonprofit organization in 2026.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1890 by H.C. Ogden.
- Current Leadership: CEO Robert Nutting (4th generation).
- Major 2018 Acquisition: All Byrd family newspapers.
- Western Expansion: Acquired Swift Communications in 2022.
- Tech Update: Licensed LocalRoad CMS in 2025.
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1890 | Foundation | Company established by H.C. Ogden |
| 1984 | Editorial Change | Dropped Doonesbury from two papers |
| 2018 | Byrd Acquisition | Purchased multiple titles including The Winchester Star |
| 2022 | Swift Communications | Expanded into CO, UT, NV, and CA |
| 2024 | The Dominion Post | Acquired Morgantown, WV publication |
| 2025 | CMS Licensing | Adopted LocalRoad from CherryRoad Media |
| 2026 | Divestiture | Sold The Maui News to a local nonprofit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently leads Ogden Newspapers?
The company is led by CEO Robert Nutting, who is the fourth generation of the Ogden-Nutting family to run the business.
Which newspapers were acquired from the Byrd family?
The acquisition included The Winchester Star, Daily News-Record, The Page News and Courier, The Warren Sentinel, The Shenandoah Valley-Herald, and The Valley Banner.
What is the company's connection to professional sports?
CEO Robert Nutting is the principal owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
How has the company expanded into the Western US?
Ogden Newspapers took over Swift Communications on January 1, 2022, gaining publications in California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
What technology does the company use for content management?
As of 2025, the company agreed to license the LocalRoad content management system from CherryRoad Media.