Brett Wesner, a member of the family publishing group that includes the The Tonkawa News, has been elected Treasurer of the National Newspaper Association, according to Lynne Lance, the association’s Executive Director.
Established in 1885, the National Newspaper Association (NNA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing the owners, publishers and editors of America’s community newspapers. Today, NNA’s 2,000 members make it the nation’s largest newspaper association.
Wesner, a native of Cordell, Oklahoma, began his newspaper career in 1988, with his purchase of the Walters (OK) Herald. He now publishes 15 titles in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.
“We are truly at a critical moment in America’s long tradition of community journalism,” Wesner said. “We are buffeted by economic challenges to be sure, but at the community newspaper level we are economically resilient and, most importantly, absolutely essential to the viability of the communities we serve.
“At a time when our readers demand a dependable, credible source of information, we still deliver,” he said, “and with the help of our outstanding national association, we will continue to serve our vital, constitutional role as America’s watchdog.
“I’m also looking forward to bringing the communities our papers represent more into the national conversation, both regarding First Amendment issues and economic development,” Wesner said. “I encourage anyone with ideas along those lines to contact the paper.”
NNA works closely with policy officials to create a legal and regulatory environment conducive to the growth of community newspapers. NNA also provides business and educational programs and services to improve the quality, reach, and relevance of community newspapers throughout the country.
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