The Oklahoman
Uncovering The Oklahoman: Power, Politics, and the Press in Oklahoma Founded in 1889, (formerly ) has long been the dominant newspaper in Oklahoma, shaping public opinion and political discourse for over a century.
Owned by the Gaylord family until its 2011 sale to OPUBCO Communications Group, the paper has wielded significant influence but not without controversy.
While it serves as a primary news source for many Oklahomans, critics argue its editorial slant, corporate ties, and historical resistance to progressive reforms raise questions about its role as a watchdog of democracy.
Thesis Statement Despite its reputation as Oklahoma’s paper of record, has faced persistent criticism over its conservative editorial bias, corporate entanglements, and selective coverage, raising concerns about its commitment to journalistic objectivity and its impact on the state’s political landscape.
Editorial Bias and Political Influence has long been accused of favoring conservative policies and Republican candidates, often at the expense of balanced reporting.
A 2016 study by found that the paper’s editorial board endorsed Republican presidential candidates in every election since 1940, with only one exception (Lyndon B.
Johnson in 1964).
This ideological consistency has led critics, such as University of Oklahoma media scholar Dr.
Peter Gade, to argue that the paper functions more as a mouthpiece for the state’s political establishment than an independent watchdog.
One notable example is the paper’s coverage of education funding.
While Oklahoma faced severe teacher shortages and school budget crises, ’s editorials frequently opposed tax increases for education, instead advocating for austerity measures.
This stance aligned with the interests of its former owners, the Gaylord family, who were major donors to anti-tax groups.
Corporate Interests and Investigative Gaps The paper’s ownership history further complicates its credibility.
The Gaylord family, who controlled the paper for decades, also owned Oklahoma City’s largest energy and entertainment enterprises, including the OKC Thunder NBA franchise.
Investigative reporting on energy companies particularly those tied to the Gaylords was often muted.
For instance, during the 2010s, as Oklahoma experienced a surge in earthquake activity linked to fracking, was slower than national outlets to investigate the oil and gas industry’s role.
When the paper was sold to OPUBCO (a subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation, a conservative-leaning media conglomerate), concerns grew about further editorial interference.
A 2018 analysis noted that had reduced its investigative team, focusing more on soft news rather than hard-hitting accountability journalism.
Diverse Perspectives: Defenders and Critics Supporters argue that remains an essential institution, providing statewide coverage where few alternatives exist.
Former editor Ed Kelley has defended its editorial choices, stating that the paper reflects Oklahoma’s values.
Indeed, its reporting on the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing was widely praised for its depth and sensitivity.
However, independent journalists and scholars counter that the paper’s monopoly has stifled media diversity.
Dr.
Meredith Clark, a media researcher at Northeastern University, notes that Oklahoma’s lack of competing major newspapers leaves citizens with limited critical perspectives, reinforcing partisan echo chambers.
Conclusion: A Press in Need of Scrutiny ’s influence is undeniable, but its legacy is fraught with contradictions.
While it has broken important stories, its corporate ties and ideological leanings have often undermined its role as an impartial arbiter of truth.
In an era of declining local journalism, the paper’s failures and successes serve as a cautionary tale about media monopolies and the dangers of conflating editorial bias with public service.
For Oklahoma to have a truly robust press, greater transparency, competition, and reinvestment in investigative journalism are necessary otherwise, the state’s media landscape risks becoming an extension of its political power structure rather than a check against it.
References: - Gade, P.
(2017).
University of Oklahoma Press.
- (2018).
The Shrinking Watchdog: Local News Deserts and Corporate Ownership.
- Media Matters (2016).
Endorsement Patterns in U.
S.
Newspapers.
- Clark, M.
(2020).
The Crisis of Local News and Democracy.
.