LOCAL

Stephen Wade returns to The Topeka Capital-Journal as publisher

Morgan Chilson
morgan.chilson@cjonline.com
Steve Wade joined The Topeka Capital-Journal Friday morning as publisher. Wade first worked at the newspaper on an internship while attending the University of Kansas, and since then has held a variety of publishing positions for Morris Communications and Gatehouse Media. [Thad Allton/The Capital-Journal]

As a young journalism student at the University of Kansas, Stephen Wade received his first on-the-job experience as an intern at The Topeka Capital-Journal.

On Friday, he returned to the capital city to accept the role of publisher for the newspaper that set him on the journalism path.

"I had the opportunity to really grow up here at the Capital-Journal,” Wade said. “Topeka’s home for me. I enjoyed living in the South — the weather’s phenomenal. But if you talk to anybody that I’ve been around back in Augusta or in Florence, S.C., they will tell you that I’ve never been bashful about talking about my Kansas roots. I’m a Kansas boy through and through.”

Wade has most recently served as general manager and president of The Augusta Chronicle. Over the years, he has worked as a picture editor in Los Angeles, and he worked in publisher roles in Pittsburg, Kan., Independence, Mo., and Florence, S.C.

Wade also will fill the role of Kansas senior group publisher for Gatehouse Media, which purchased The Capital-Journal in October 2017, said Grady Singletary, Gatehouse regional vice president. In that position, Wade will work with Gatehouse papers throughout the state. 

“He’s dedicated to quality journalism. He’s dedicated to representing this newspaper in this community as an effective leader,” Singletary said. “It’s a great answer to this team, to bring in someone that they know and they respect.”

Wade will focus on providing digital and print solutions that will effectively expand the marketing efforts of local businesses, he added.

As someone who has watched the evolution of journalism for three decades, Wade is committed to the work The Capital-Journal does. And he’s also clear about the challenges facing the industry.

“I would make the argument that journalism is more important now than it’s been in a very long time,” he said, adding that transparency, objectivity and the clear delineation between opinion and facts are critical parts of doing the job well.

“We have school boards, city government, county government and the state where those decisions affect every person in our readership,” Wade said. “It’s our job as journalists to get the information out so that people can make decisions. We have an obligation to spur conversation. We have an obligation to encourage debate. We have an obligation to get people to share thoughts and ideas. That makes a better community.”

Matt Pivarnik, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, said he's pleased to see Wade's community commitment.

“The Greater Topeka Partnership is happy to welcome Steve Wade back to Topeka,” he said. “This leadership role is paramount in importance to our region. The Topeka Capital-Journal is a major employer, influencer and strong partner. I know I speak for our team and leaders that we are anxious to roll up our sleeves alongside Steve as we move Topeka and Shawnee County forward with great momentum.”  

Wade will be in transition from his Georgia position over the next few weeks but will join The Capital-Journal staff fulltime as soon as possible. He’s excited about working in the community, re-establishing relationships with a city that has grown and changed since he left about 15 years ago.

“To me, it’s a chance to follow in some footsteps that are pretty remarkable,” he said. “The Capital-Journal has long been the most comprehensive marketing vehicle in our area, and the acquisition by GateHouse Media has given the paper incredible digital tools that helps deliver new customers to our community’s businesses and non-profits.”

In addition, the opportunity to return home and live near his parents, who are Topeka residents, and one of his children, is incredible, he said.

“I guess what I want people to know is I am a Topeka boy. I want the paper to be involved,” Wade said. “I want the paper to be a part of each person’s daily life, and it doesn’t matter to me whether you’re getting the paper electronically, if you get it on your doorstep, of if you look at us on social media, I want the paper to be a part of every person’s life.”

Tomari Quinn, editor and vice president of audience, said Wade has a rich and varied career that has touched all aspects of the newspaper industry, from the newsroom to advertising, from print to digital.

“He is passionate about the importance of quality journalism and already is bringing excellent ideas to the table,” Quinn said. “I'm most excited about his roots in the community. He cares about Topeka. He's coming home."

Wade and his wife, Paula, share four children and one grandchild. Wade can be reached at stephen.wade@cjonline.com.