Where Is Dennis Wade Now?

what happened to dennis wade editor of lawton constitution

Dennis Wade, the former Vice President of Eagle Tribune Publishing Company and President of Granite Publications, was named the publisher of the Lawton Constitution in 2018. The Lawton Constitution, Oklahoma's third-largest paper, was acquired by Southern Newspapers Inc., a privately-owned company headquartered in Houston. With a strong history of quality journalism and a daily circulation of 15,000, Wade expressed his delight at leading the paper and continuing its tradition of unique local news and community support.

Characteristics Values
Name Dennis Wade
Position Publisher of the Lawton Constitution
Company Southern Newspapers Inc.
Previous Positions Vice President of Eagle Tribune Publishing Company, President of Granite Publications
Leadership Style Compassionate, demanding, encouraging, honest
Circulation Daily: 15,000, Sunday: 17,000

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Dennis Wade was named publisher of the Lawton Constitution by SNI in 2018

In 2018, Southern Newspapers Inc. (SNI) named Dennis Wade publisher of the newly acquired Lawton Constitution. SNI, a family-owned company headquartered in Houston, purchased the Oklahoma paper from attorneys Bill Burgess Jr. and Brad Burgess.

Wade began his career with SNI in the advertising sales department at the Baytown Sun in Baytown, Texas. He went on to serve as an advertising director at several Texas newspapers and as publisher of various papers, including the Alvin Advertiser and the Dallas Fort Worth Business Journal. Prior to his appointment at the Lawton Constitution, Wade also worked as vice president of Eagle Tribune Publishing Company and president of Granite Publications.

Wade expressed his delight at the appointment, stating:

> I am delighted to be in Lawton doing what I have done and love to do in this great industry for many years. We consider it a privilege and honor to have the opportunity to carry on the great tradition of unique local news and information provided to the people that make up this wonderful community. Lawton itself and the strong history of quality journalism made the Constitution an attractive acquisition for Southern.

Lissa Walls, owner of SNI, shared Wade's enthusiasm for the acquisition, noting the paper's strong community support:

> We’re very pleased the Burgess brothers chose our company to succeed them as owner of The Lawton Constitution. The newspaper has a wonderful history of support for the community, which we fully intend to continue and enhance. Newspapers face many challenges today, but the basic challenge — to serve and build communities — has not changed even in the era of social media and digital transmission of the news. We’re committed to meeting that challenge in Lawton.

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Wade previously worked as President of Granite Publications

Dennis Wade, the former editor of the Lawton Constitution, previously worked as President of Granite Publications. Wade's career has spanned several leadership positions in the publishing industry, including his role at Granite Publications. As President, Wade brought a wealth of experience in sales, and he was known for his exceptional leadership skills and compassion.

During his time as President of Granite Publications, Wade made a significant impact on the company and those he managed. One of his colleagues at Granite Publications, an advertising salesman, credited Wade's guidance and strategies for his success in becoming one of the top contract salesmen in the company. Wade's confidence was backed up by proven results, and he had a rare ability to truly care about those he led.

Wade's leadership style was characterised by his understanding of people and their potential. He possessed the unique talent of being both compassionate and demanding, helping employees feel understood and motivated to be their best selves. His honesty and willingness to have difficult conversations were also appreciated, as he always provided valuable insights that benefited his colleagues' work and perspectives.

In addition to his role at Granite Publications, Wade also served as Vice President of Eagle Tribune Publishing Company before becoming the publisher of the Lawton Constitution. His extensive experience and strong leadership skills made him a highly regarded figure in the publishing industry. Wade's commitment to quality journalism and community service have been hallmarks of his career, and he has left a positive impact on the organisations he has led.

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He has been praised for his leadership and management skills

Dennis Wade, the former editor of the Lawton Constitution, has been praised extensively for his leadership and management skills. Wade has held several senior positions in the publishing industry, including Vice President of Eagle Tribune Publishing Company, President of Granite Publications, and Advertising Director for the Bandera Bulletin newspaper.

Wade's leadership has been characterised by his ability to connect with and understand people. In his role as President of Granite Publications, Wade's guidance and mentorship had a profound impact on one of his subordinates, who credits Wade's strategies and leadership for his success as a salesman. This individual describes Wade as a "man of impact", highlighting his ability to bring about positive change and his commitment to those he manages.

Wade's leadership style is also marked by his combination of compassion and demand, creating an environment where employees feel understood and encouraged to excel. He is described as an honest leader who provides valuable feedback and is not afraid to have difficult conversations for the benefit of his employees' growth.

Wade's management skills are further exemplified by his ability to recognise talent and foster its development. In his role at the Lawton Constitution, Wade expressed his appreciation for the talented writers, photographers, and staff he worked with. He also demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the newspaper's tradition of providing unique local news and information to the community.

Wade's leadership and management skills have been recognised by his peers in the industry. Lissa Walls, owner of Southern Newspapers Inc., highlighted Wade's experience and strong leadership capabilities, expressing her pleasure in having him lead one of their publications. Wade's impact on the industry and those he has worked with is a testament to his exceptional leadership and management abilities.

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Southern Newspapers Inc. acquired the Lawton Constitution from the Burgess brothers

On April 1, 2018, Southern Newspapers Inc. completed its acquisition of The Lawton Constitution from local attorneys and brothers Bill Burgess Jr. and Brad Burgess. The brothers had purchased the Oklahoma paper in 2012 from longtime local owners Steve and Don Bentley.

"We're very pleased the Burgess brothers chose our company to succeed them as owner of The Lawton Constitution," said Lissa Walls, owner of Southern Newspapers Inc. "The newspaper has a wonderful history of support for the community, which we fully intend to continue and enhance."

Southern Newspapers is a privately-owned, family-owned company headquartered in Houston, Texas, and founded by Walls' father, community newspaper pioneer Carmage Walls. The Lawton Constitution is its 16th newspaper, including other community newspapers in Texas and Alabama.

Brad Burgess shared that he and his brother were proud to have played a small role in the history of The Lawton Constitution. He added that they were honored to have worked with talented writers, photographers, and staff in Southwest Oklahoma.

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The Lawton Constitution is Oklahoma's third-largest paper

The Lawton Constitution, the pioneer paper of Comanche County, was established in 1903 as the successor to the Elgin Eagle newspaper. The paper was published daily (except Sundays) and weekly (on Thursdays). In 1907, The Constitution merged with The State Democrat to become the Lawton Constitution-Democrat, with T. M. Bixby as editor. In 1911, the paper resumed publication under its original name, The Lawton Constitution.

Over a century later, The Lawton Constitution remains Oklahoma's third-largest paper, with a daily circulation of 15,000 and a Sunday circulation of 17,000. The paper serves as the primary source of news for the citizens of Southwest Oklahoma, covering their daily lives and striving to maintain its position as the region's top news source.

The Lawton Constitution has had several owners and editors over its long history. In its early years, the paper was managed by S. K. Rush, H. M. Tilton, and James H. Timmons. John N. Shepler later purchased the Constitution and became its editor. More recently, Southern Newspapers Inc. acquired the publication, with Lissa Walls as the owner and Dennis Wade as the publisher.

Dennis Wade, a seasoned media executive, was appointed publisher of The Lawton Constitution by Southern Newspapers Inc. Prior to this role, Wade served as Vice President of Eagle Tribune Publishing Company and President of Granite Publications. He expressed his delight at being in Lawton, continuing the tradition of delivering unique local news to the community. Wade's expertise and leadership were expected to contribute to the paper's continued success and enhancement under Southern Newspapers Inc.'s ownership.

Frequently asked questions

Dennis Wade is the publisher of the Lawton Constitution.

Wade has worked as Vice President of Eagle Tribune Publishing Company and president of Granite Publications. He has also worked as an advertising director.

Wade is described as "compassionate and demanding". He is said to have "a true heart for those he manages".

"I am delighted to be in Lawton doing what I have done and love to do in this great industry for many years," Wade said. "We consider it a privilege and honour to have the opportunity to carry on the great tradition of unique local news and information provided to the people that make up this wonderful community."

The Lawton Constitution has a daily circulation of 15,000 and a Sunday circulation of 17,000, making it the third-largest paper in Oklahoma.

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