New general manager to lead Register, Reflector

SANDUSKY — About 25 years, ago, John Kridelbaugh started his career in media for a company calling itself, in part, the Register. And, in a way, he's coming full circle, working for another newspaper boasting the Register name — but in a different capacity, and state, roughly 600 miles away. Ogden Newspapers recently named John Kridelbaugh as the general manager of the Sandusky Register and Norwalk Reflector. He'll oversee both publications' operations, which consist of editorial, or news content, along with advertising and circulation. Additionally, he'll serve as the advertising director for Ogden's five Ohio-based newspapers: the Register, the Reflector, the Findlay Courier, the Fostoria Review Times and the Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune. "I have a great passion for the industry, and I think the media industry is unique in the sense that we serve the greater good, and that is informing communities," said Kridelbaugh, who will reside in the Sandusky area. "I'm also looking forward to spending summers here and all the activities in proximity to the lake." Kridelbaugh — married to his wife, Suzanne, they have four children with one grandchild and another on the way — began his career in media with the Des Moines Register, home of Iowa's capital. Before the Sandusky Register, he worked for three different media companies across six states "and for literally dozens of newspapers." It's at those companies where he honed his specialties with a concentration in advertising, digital, marketing and circulation. During the past decade, Kridelbaugh lived in smaller Ohio cities, which allowed him to get familiar with Ogden's publications. "This job was very appealing to me," said Kridelbaugh, noting he enjoys reading all five newspapers. "There are a lot of synergies here." Kridelbaugh then explained the role of newspapers in communities like Sandusky, Norwalk, Findlay, Fostoria and Tiffin. "Local media is necessary to have a thriving community," he said. "If you want your story told, if you want your story to be a part of the history of this community, that only happens through the local media." For local media to succeed, however, people need to support journalists, advertisers, customer service workers, delivery drivers and their colleagues. "If these communities want a thriving newspaper, the best thing they can do is buy a subscription and buy advertising," Kridelbaugh said. "Whether it's a print piece or digital, they need to support us. Just like any other business, your support guarantees the success of what we do." Kridelbaugh partially succeeds Ron Waite, the group publisher for Ogden's five Ohio newspapers. Waite is giving up some of his day-to-day responsibilities but remaining with Ogden and keeping his title, though he's taking on a larger role with the company, "which will require me to travel more to other newspapers," Waite said. Waite emphasized his full confidence in Kridelbaugh's abilities to successfully lead in this new role. "John has a great depth of knowledge in the newspaper and marketing industry and brings a very analytical and level-minded management style."