Clarity Media Group Appointed New News Leaders
Clarity Media Group split news oversight between regional leaders to replace a retiring executive.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in People
Clarity Media Group promoted John Boogert and Luige Del Puerto to lead news operations for its Colorado offices. These appointments follow the planned retirement of long-time executive editor Vince Bzdek.
Why it matters
The change restructures the leadership hierarchy at a major regional media firm, shifting from a centralized executive role to a dual-management model split between the Denver and Colorado Springs markets.
Clarity Media Group promoted two journalists to replace a single retiring executive editor. The firm, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Corp., has operated in Colorado since acquiring The Gazette in 2012.
The players
Clarity Media Group
A subsidiary of The Anschutz Corp. that operates regional news outlets including The Gazette.
Vince Bzdek
The outgoing executive editor retiring at the end of 2026.
John Boogert
An editor and news director who will now oversee Colorado Springs operations.
Luige Del Puerto
A journalist who will now oversee news operations for the Denver office.
Christopher P. Reen
The President and CEO of Clarity Media Group who executed the management restructuring.
The details
The firm moved to a regionalized reporting structure, with Boogert focusing on the Colorado Springs market and Del Puerto managing the Denver operations. These roles consolidate the functions previously managed by Vince Bzdek. This shift marks a departure from the unified oversight model that had been in place at the organization since 2012.
Timeline
November 30, 2012: Clarity Media Group acquired The Gazette.
September 14, 2020: The Denver Gazette launched.
July 2026: Vince Bzdek announced his retirement.
October 4, 2026: Journalists were promoted to new leadership roles.
December 31, 2026: Vince Bzdek will officially retire.
Market Landscape
This management transition alters the internal governance structure established during the 2012 acquisition of The Gazette by Clarity Media Group. The pivot to dual-regional oversight reflects an evolution in how the firm scales its operations across multiple Colorado hubs.
Operators should monitor whether this leadership split leads to more localized content strategies or consolidated back-office functions between Denver and Colorado Springs. Assess whether your own team structure adequately supports geographically dispersed business units.
The takeaway
Management transitions often signal a shift in how a company intends to allocate its regional resources and operational priorities. Consider reviewing your own succession plans to ensure that outgoing senior leaders have clearly defined transition windows and reporting structures.
What happens next
Vince Bzdek will officially depart the organization on December 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local corporate leadership, see the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Springs Gazette.
