Veteran journalist and newspaper executive Ed Choate has been appointed publisher of The Claremore (Oklahoma) Daily Progress.
Choate is currently the publisher of the Muskogee Phoenix, and will continue in that role. CNHI, LLC, is the parent company for both newspapers.
"I look forward to getting involved with the Claremore community," Choate said. "Our staff is fairly small, but we have an outstanding group of people here who are dedicated to community journalism.”
Dale Brendel, CNHI regional executive for Oklahoma, said Choate is familiar with the Progress staff, having served as an overseer for the paper since early 2020.
“Ed has been involved behind the scenes, but now he’s set to take a more active role,” Brendel said.
“Newspapers have had to adapt and evolve to changes in technology or through the challenges faced in the pandemic,” Brendel added. “The Daily Progress still has a large and loyal print audience as well as growing digital presence with five E-editions per week. Ed’s leadership will strengthen our content and our community ties.”
Choate has more than 35 years of newspaper experience. Before joining the Muskogee Phoenix in 2005, he worked in the sports departments at The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Orlando Sentinel, New Orleans Times-Picayune and The Greenville (South Carolina) News. He is also a former publisher of the CNHI McAlester News-Capital.
“I am excited with this opportunity,” Choate said. “Claremore is a newsy community and the Daily Progress is committed to informing it with impartial, fact-based information.”
