In a move that signals the Kentucky Press Association’s (KPA) commitment to modernizing local journalism, Owensboro Times Managing Editor Ryan Richardson has been named the Digital Division Chair for the organization. Richardson, whose two-year term began Thursday during the KPA board meeting at its annual convention, is poised to lead a statewide effort to reshape how news outlets embrace the digital era.
“I want to help KPA members see the incredible opportunities that come with digital innovation,” Richardson said. “This isn’t about abandoning print — it’s about finding new ways to tell stories, connect with audiences, and ensure local journalism not only survives but thrives in a world where news consumption is constantly evolving.”
Richardson’s appointment comes as the digital division chair role had been vacant, making his insights and leadership especially timely. He plans to focus on three key areas: enhancing digital efforts among KPA members, modernizing the organization’s annual awards contest to better reflect digital storytelling, and developing innovative programming for the KPA convention.
“Digital storytelling has the power to engage audiences like never before, and we’re already seeing that success at Owensboro Times,” he said. “My goal is to share what we’ve learned to help other publications grow their digital presence and serve their communities in meaningful ways.”
Owensboro Times, a locally owned news outlet, is at the forefront of this shift. The publication’s blend of written stories, photography, and video content has not only set a new standard for local journalism but also delivered exceptional growth. In 2024, OT reported 7.2 million website page views, 42 million Facebook post impressions, and 1.6 million video views, among other milestones.
Richardson noted that the outlet’s surge in engagement has continued to climb exponentially, with the website poised to hit 1 million views in January alone by the end of this week.
“We’ve demonstrated the potential for success when news organizations embrace change. Having a robust digital presence isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential,” he said. “The tools we have now — videos, social media, data analytics — allow us to connect with people in ways we never could before. That’s the future I want to help other KPA members embrace.”
Richardson’s vision for the KPA awards contest includes retiring outdated print-only categories and introducing new ones that reward creativity in areas like video production, interactive storytelling, and audience engagement. Additionally, he wants to empower KPA members to develop sustainable digital strategies through sessions at the annual convention.
Richardson also emphasized the importance of collaboration across newsrooms, rejecting the idea that media outlets should see each other as competitors.
“Having multiple trusted sources for news is vital for an informed community,” he said. “We’re all in this together, and the more we share ideas, the stronger journalism becomes statewide.”
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Richardson has been with Owensboro Times since its founding, first as a Sports Editor and later as Managing Editor starting in 2020. Under his leadership, the outlet has become a trusted source for hyperlocal news, delivering everything from in-depth reporting on crime and politics to feel-good stories that highlight the community’s successes.
Richardson credits much of OT’s success to the talented team he works alongside.
“Our team is small but mighty,” he said. “It’s a collaborative effort — starting at the top with the owners all the way down to freelancers — that’s helped us become a model for what local news can be.”
Founded in 1869, the Kentucky Press Association is one of the nation’s oldest state press associations. With Richardson now leading its digital division, the organization is poised to help its members adapt to the evolving media landscape while staying true to the mission of local journalism.
“It’s an honor to serve in this role,” said Richardson. “KPA has a long and storied history, and I’m excited to be part of shaping its future.”
