Oglesby Named President of Times Orange County

Roger Oglesby, editor of the Morning Call in Allentown, Pa., on Wednesday was named president of The Times’ Orange County edition, effective March 1.

Oglesby, 49, was also appointed a vice president of The Times.

He will succeed Robert G. Magnuson, who was promoted in October to senior vice president of The Times overseeing all regional editions. Magnuson, 46, has been president of Times Orange County since June 1996.

“This is kind of like coming home for me,” said Oglesby, who formerly worked for Times Orange County as an assistant city editor.

For the last 2 1/2 years, Oglesby has been editor of the Morning Call, a Times sister publication. Both newspapers are owned by Times Mirror Co. of Los Angeles.

“Roger brings broad experience as a leader both in the newsroom and on the business side, as well as a deep knowledge of Orange County,” Magnuson said. “We are fortunate to have an executive of his caliber join our team as we move ahead with our mission of aggressive growth.”

Oglesby said his goal upon returning to The Times is to increase circulation, advertising and market share in Orange County.

“The competition will be all over the county, but the fiercest will be in the high-growth areas like South County,” Oglesby said. “I’m amazed at the growth in South County just over the last three years.”

Oglesby, who was first contacted about the job just three weeks ago, said he hasn’t had time yet to discuss strategy or tactics with Magnuson and other Times executives. He said he expects to build on plans put in place under Magnuson, to whom he will report.

“This is such a critical market for The Times,” Oglesby said about Orange County, “and I look forward to playing a leadership role in ensuring our success.”

Oglesby joined the Los Angeles Times in 1986. A lawyer, he also served as an assistant general counsel of The Times.