The Ponca City News has hired a new publisher, Frank Leto.

Leto has worked in the newspaper business for over 30 years, most recently in the Dallas area, prior to accepting his position at the Ponca City News. Leto has experience being responsible for multiple newspapers and has worked in nine different states.

“I had a chance to sit down with the [Ponca City News] news staff, the advertising staff, some of the other operations, meet some of the production people…and they all care about their jobs, they care about the community and what they do,” said Leto. “They care about the quality that they can put out, and that is really refreshing to me. Because this is a difficult business and when you have people that care, you have a chance to be successful.”

As the publisher of the newspaper, Leto sees a chance to meet with business leaders, political leaders, and people of influence in the community to hear their stories and feedback. He cites this as part of the important and unique role that a community newspaper serves.

“Whether it is good news, or bad news, or just sports or entertainment. Whatever it might be, this is a first snap shot of history and a chance to really dig into what is happening in the community. It could be anything, but it is happening in this community and we have a responsibility to try and cover it to the best of our ability,” said Leto. “And we can’t do that alone. We need people in the community who share information with us. We rely on stringers and other people to help us write these stories. Because we can’t be everywhere at once, and so if you’re interested in becoming a stringer or a contributor to the Ponca City News, we’re willing to talk to you any time.”

Leto has also shared a desire to work closely with non-profits in the area.

“I have a long history of working closely with many non-profits around the country,” said Leto. “This is the ninth state I’ve worked in, so I’ve have a chance to see a lot of different areas and there’s a need for these nonprofits in every community, and we can do a lot to help raise their profile, help them raise money, help them get the message out. And I want to try and do that as much as possible.”

Scott Wesner and Scott Wood, owners of the Ponca City News, have more than 30 years in the newspaper business, and said they are delighted to have someone of Leto’s caliber and experience join the team. Wesner said he expected Leto to make a difference in the community and with customers.

Ultimately, Leto describes his position as an opportunity for him professionally, and as an opportunity for the company to become more customer facing and involved in the community it serves.

“I look forward to developing these relationships, building on the good relationships we already have, and hopefully driving the business forward,” said Leto. “Not only from a business and revenue standpoint, but also from a readership and community involvement standpoint, and that is really my goal.”