Leader, fair, compassionate, father, extraordinary wit, exceptionally kind, innovator – just a few of the words used to describe Richard H. Blacklidge, CEO of the Kokomo Tribune from 1938 to 1978. Richard (also known as “Dick,” “RHB,” and “Mr. B”) started his career there in 1936 in the advertising department after graduating from Purdue University. His father, Kent H. Blacklidge, son-in-law of J.A. Kautz who had owned the newspaper since 1897, wanted Richard to work his way up the ladder. When his grandfather died in 1938, Richard, then 24, was named CEO and general manager. In 1956, he took the title of publisher, a position he held until his retirement in 1978. Under Richard’s 40 years at the helm, the Tribune grew, earning a reputation as “the heart of the community.” At one point, they employed more than 30 reporters covering everything from sports to politics to community activities, and much more. One quick look at nearly any edition during the 20 th Century would show the number and scope of topics covered.

Importantly, Richard also made sure that the paper grew technologically as well. In the 1960s and 1970s, his small-town daily newspaper revolutionized printing and put Kokomo on the map for newspaper production. The Tribune became one of the first papers to convert to offset printing and photo composition. They also had one of the first two Gross Metro presses in the nation, a marvel displayed in a wall of windows on Union Street for all to see. Kent Blacklidge, one of Richard’s three sons, noted that people came from all over the world to see how the Kokomo Tribune did business.

Richard’s professional accomplishments included serving as president of the Hoosier State Press Association; secretary, vice president, and then president of the American Newspaper Publishers Association (ANPA) (chosen from some 1,000 publishers, and the first president from a smaller local paper); president of the Inland Daily Press Association; vice president of the International Press Association; and founder and president of radio station WIOU here in Kokomo. Not only did he hold these impressive positions, but unsurprisingly was hailed as an effective leader in all of them. In a note to Richard as he stepped down as president of the ANPA in 1972, J. Montgomery Curtis of Knight Newspapers, Inc., wrote, “I do not believe that ANPA ever had two better years than under your presidency.”

While Richard compiled a long list of professional accomplishments and innovations, his staff, friends, and family remember him for his kindness and strong leadership. He cared deeply about his family, and time with them was very important. Despite working almost around the clock, he made it to family dinner seven days a week. Son Kent recalls that his father loved pie and insisted it be served along with the main dish for dinner.

Richard passed away in his sleep in 1993 at the age of 78 after a normal day that had included a great golf game and a steak dinner (presumably with pie), leaving an amazing legacy. Kent wrote that his father “cared for people. He hurt with people. He had no tolerance for injustice, bigotry, or hypocrisy. He quietly shared of himself and his resources with those in his life.”