ALTUS - Bill Murphy has been appointed publisher of the Altus Times, it was announced today, by Michael Bush, Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Publications, LLC, parent company of the Altus Times.

“We are pleased to announce this appointment of a local Altus resident with longstanding ties to both the Altus Times and the community of Altus. Bill has the background and passion necessary to bring the Altus Times to greater heights of service and usefulness for our readers and advertisers,” Bush said.

Murphy began his newspaper career as an Altus Times pressman in 1977. He later moved to the advertising department as an advertising sales representative under longtime resident ad manager Jesse Turner. In 1985 he was promoted to advertising manager at the Okmulgee Times. In 1988 he was promoted to publisher of the Holdenville Daily News. In 1989 he was promoted to publisher of the Guymon Daily Herald and was there for 11 years.

While in Guymon, the Herald, a Donrey Media newspaper, sold to CNHI. At that time Murphy resigned and moved back to Altus and became the advertising sales manager at the Altus Times with the CNHI company.

“Since 2002 I have experienced other opportunities, but I have missed the newspaper business,” Murphy said. “I will continue to expand on the commitment of the Altus Times in producing a quality product aimed at local news and the Altus and surrounding communities.”

Murphy and his family are longtime residents of Altus. “Once again I'm glad to be a part of the Altus Times,” Murphy said. “And will strive to make it the best it can be for our readers and advertisers.”