The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) recently named Richard “Rich” Lenz as the new anchor for the Oklahoma News Report (ONR), Oklahoma’s only statewide news program.
“We’re happy to welcome a journalist the caliber of Rich Lenz to the OETA family,” said Polly Anderson, executive director, OETA. “His professionalism and energy will help ONR serve the people of Oklahoma with even more news content, and, having a permanent anchor on the desk will help us greatly in continuity.”
Lenz began his news career as the sports director and anchor for WTXL-TV, Tallahassee, Fl., before working in the same capacity for WVLA-TV, Baron Rouge, La. Lenz then worked as a weekend sports anchor and reporter for KWTV, Oklahoma City, before returning to Louisiana to become the sports director and later the news anchor for WDSU-TV in New Orleans. Since 2007, Lenz has been the co-anchor for the 6 in the Morning program on KOTV, Tulsa.
“Rich has strong ties to Oklahoma,” said Bill Perry, vice president of local content, OETA. “His friendships, along with his knowledge of the people, government and state of Oklahoma make him an excellent addition and the perfect person to deliver the news to our viewers across the state.”
“My desire to anchor and report for ONR is based on my enthusiasm to reach the entire state each week,” said Lenz. “The opportunity to continue the great informative, interesting and entertaining storytelling that ONR is known for is something I’m honored to be a part of.”
Lenz earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia, Athens.
When he’s not chasing a story, Lenz is an Emmy-winning song writer. He’s married to his wife of 29 years, Leslie, and they have two children, Cameron, 25, who’s currently in medical school at Oklahoma State University (OSU), Tulsa campus and Claire, 21, who is studying journalism at the University of Tulsa.
OETA provides essential educational content and services that inform, inspire and connect Oklahomans to ideas and information that enrich our quality of life. We do this by consistently engaging Oklahomans with educational and public television programming, providing educational training and curriculum, outreach initiatives and online features that collectively encourage lifelong learning. For more information about education curriculum and programs, local productions, digital television, community resources and show schedules explore OETA.tv or visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
