Tyler Patton named publisher of Valley Morning Star

IRVINE, Calif.— Sept. 14, 2007— Freedom Communications’ Newspapers Division announces that Tyler Patton has been named publisher of the Valley Morning Star.

Patton replaces Douglas Hardie, who recently retired after serving as the Star’s publisher since 1998. Patton has served as general manager at the Star since 2004.

“I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have succeed me than Tyler,” said Hardie. “I think he’s a solid, well-rounded newspaper man.” Hardie will remain at the Star as a consultant for its interactive products.

Freedom’s Regional Vice President for the Texas Rio Grande Valley newspaper operations, M. Olaf Frandsen, said Patton would fit seamlessly into the role of publisher, having spent the last few years under the guiding hand of Hardie.

“It is rare in today’s fast-paced business world when you have someone ready and primed to take on a senior leadership role right in your own backyard,” Frandsen said. “And Tyler had the advantage of learning from one of the best in Doug Hardie. I suspect Tyler will not skip a single beat in continuing the quality and growth of The Star’s print and interactive products.”

“This is what I wanted. This is where I wanted to be,” Patton said. “I’m excited about the community. I’m excited about where the newspaper is. We have a great opportunity to increase our audience, both in print and online.”

“Doug has been great to work for,” Patton said. “Harlingen is a great newspaper market. People here read their newspaper. They consider it their own.”

Prior to that, Patton served as circulation director, then operation director at the Odessa American in Odessa, Texas, also a Freedom newspaper. He began his career at the Abilene Reporter News, where he worked in the circulation department as a district manager.

Development of the Star’s Internet products ranks among his top priorities. “We’re incorporating our online with our print,” Patton said. “We have to capitalize on the Internet to let our readers know what’s going on throughout the day, all day, seven days a week.”

Patton earned a degree in financial management at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.