Newspaper Industry Giant G. Ogden Nutting Passes Away at 87
In a somber turn of events, G. Ogden Nutting, a prominent figure in the newspaper business, has passed away at the age of 87. Nutting’s contributions were instrumental in expanding his family’s newspaper enterprise to encompass over 50 daily publications across 18 states.
The news of Nutting’s demise broke on Friday, as reported by The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. These publications, which played a pivotal role in Nutting’s career, featured his obituary and a separate piece on his passing that came out on Monday.
A resident of Wheeling, Nutting held the position of publisher at Ogden Newspapers Inc., a company with a rich history dating back over 60 years. This private enterprise was rooted in his grandfather’s establishment of The Wheeling Evening News in 1890, a newspaper that laid the foundation for the larger newspaper chain.
In a surprising twist, Nutting entered the fold of Pittsburgh Pirates team owner Kevin McClatchy’s ownership group in 1996. Their association, rooted in the newspaper industry, led to Nutting’s inclusion in the ownership group that prevented the baseball team from departing Pittsburgh.
Over time, Nutting’s son, Bob, took over the majority ownership stake from McClatchy, subsequently becoming the principal owner of the Pirates in 2007. Notably, Bob Nutting also holds the positions of president and CEO at Ogden Newspapers.
A Pioneer in the Newspaper World
G. Ogden Nutting’s contributions were not limited to his business endeavors alone. He garnered accolades from institutions such as the West Virginia Press Association and the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association. His dedication earned him the esteemed Distinguished West Virginian award from the state governor in 2005. Furthermore, in recognition of his service to the state, he was inducted into West Virginia University’s Order of Vandalia two years later.
West Virginia Press Association President Don Smith hailed Nutting as the “last of the great publishers in the history of newspapers in West Virginia,” underscoring the significance of his legacy.
Nutting is survived by his wife, Betty Woods “Snookie” Nutting, his brother William C. Nutting, his two sons, Bob and William O. Nutting (who serves as the Vice President of Ogden Newspapers), as well as five granddaughters and one grandson.
According to Nutting’s obituary, there will not be any visitation or public service held in his honor, respecting his wishes and marking the end of an era in the newspaper industry.