Colorado Politics chairman named Clarity Media president and CEO

Chris Reen, chairman of Colorado Politics, has been named president and CEO of Clarity Media Group, the news group's Denver-based owner, Clarity officials announced Monday.

Reen assumes the role Jan. 1; he’ll succeed Ryan McKibben, who has held the position since 2004 and who will become Clarity Media’s company chairman.

Reen will continue as chairman for Colorado Politics and as publisher of The Gazette news group, which has publications in Colorado Springs and Denver.

Over a 30-year media industry career, Reen, 52, has held executive positions in Oklahoma, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida.

He had been president of the Oklahoma City-based Oklahoman Media Co. and publisher of The Oklahoman newspaper in September 2011 before it was purchased by the Anschutz Corp. of Denver, which owns Clarity Media.

Reen remained with the Anschutz Corp. after it sold the Oklahoma companies in late 2018. He became The Gazette’s publisher in February 2019.

“I am proud to be stepping into this role as our team is in the midst of creating tremendous growth in the delivery and business of journalism,” Reen said in a statement about his new position as Clarity’s president and CEO. “Clarity Media Group’s news outlets are known for our talented professionals who are unmistakably dedicated to delivering award-winning journalism and innovation.”

Clarity Media Group owns and publishes newspapers, magazines and digital news. Its media outlets also include Out There Colorado and the Washington Examiner.

Under McKibben’s 16 years as head of Clarity Media Group, the company made a number of advancements, including an expansion of the Washington Examiner; Clarity transformed it from a weekly, Beltway-focused newspaper to a national political magazine and website.

Clarity also has grown its presence in Colorado. It acquired The Gazette in 2012 and over the last eight years added Colorado Politics, Out There Colorado and the recently launched Denver Gazette.

“I am confident in Chris assuming the helm of Clarity Media Group,” McKibben said. “Our business is leading a bold new path forward for high-quality, award-winning journalism and Chris possesses the perfect experience and vision to lead us into the future.”