Owensboro Times Managing Editor Ryan Richardson has been added to the Kentucky Press Association Board of Directors.
Richardson, 32, was invited to join the board as an At-Large member, which is a voting position and is a 1-year term.
“It was an honor to be invited to join the board,” Richardson said. “KPA plays a vital role in promoting the interests of news outlets statewide. I’m excited to represent OT, and the Owensboro-Daviess County area, in supporting that cause.”
The Kentucky Press Association was founded in 1869 and is the nation’s 10th-oldest state press association. Richardson said he hopes to bring a new perspective to the board, noting that OT is a unique outlet in Kentucky because it’s locally owned, digital-only, and focused on hyperlocal news.
“Since OT was founded in 2018, we’ve tried to break the mold in local journalism,” he said. “We try to be innovative and interactive with our community storytelling and focus entirely on a digital experience. There aren’t many outlets nationwide, let alone in Kentucky, striving to provide that combination of digital-only and hyperlocal news.”
Richardson said there’s still great value in traditional newspapers, but also recognizes times have changed and outlets have to meet readers where they are.
“There’s no hiding the fact the newspaper industry as a whole has declined in recent years,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean there’s not a future for newspapers, especially ones covering local news, because the audience is still there. It just means industry leaders must be willing to embrace change and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to news consumption.”
Richardson said the KPA board does a great job of fostering discussions about change and offering the support news outlets need to succeed.
“The board has always been strong advocates for its members,” he said. I hope to be able to provide some insight from my experience with OT, but even more important will be what I’m able to learn serving alongside so many individuals who have been leaders in Kentucky journalism for many years.”
Jason Tanner, co-founder of Owensboro Times, said Richardson’s appointment to the KPA board is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the core values that define OT.
“Through his exemplary leadership, Ryan embodies our commitment to delivering timely, locally focused news with integrity, sensitivity, and a deep understanding of our community,” Tanner said. “His adherence to the ‘Widmer Way’ — our guiding principle of responsible and compassionate reporting — ensures that we prioritize the well-being and dignity of those we serve. As Ryan assumes this new role, we are confident that his passion for storytelling and commitment to journalistic excellence will continue to elevate Owensboro Times and this community that we proudly represent.”
Richardson has served as the Managing Editor for Owensboro Times since March 2020. He oversees the day-to-day operations and has helped the award-winning news outlet expand its presence and dedicated following in the area. He previously served as the OT Sports Editor, a position he held since the company was founded in August 2018.
Richardson also held several roles for weekly and daily newspapers in Tennessee and Kentucky before joining Owensboro Times. He was born and raised in Gleason, a small town in northwest Tennessee. He attended Murray State University, where he obtained a degree in journalism in 2014 and where he met his wife Meghann, an Owensboro native.
In 2023, Richardson was named one of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 honorees. According to the Chamber, the recipients were chosen based on their leadership and potential to influence the community.
