Oct – Dec 2024Back to News
DV&A tracked the sale of over 67 newspaper titles sold in 15 deals
The media landscape continues its steady evolution in late 2024, as evidenced by a series of acquisitions that reinforce ongoing trends in local journalism and media consolidation. These transactions highlight a consistent focus on preserving community-focused publications while expanding digital capabilities and audience engagement strategies. From small-town weeklies to metropolitan outlets, the deals reflect a broad commitment to sustaining journalism’s role as a vital community resource.
Major players like Carpenter Media Group and Adams Publishing Group have expanded their portfolios, while newer entrants have stepped in to revitalize niche markets. Fourth quarter public deal information follows.
October 2024
Carpenter Media Group Acquires EO Media Group
Carpenter Media Group acquired EO Media Group, a family-owned media company with a rich history in the Pacific Northwest. The acquisition includes more than two dozen newspapers and magazines, including the East Oregonian (OR), The Astorian (OR), Chinook Observer (WA), The Bulletin (OR), and Rogue Valley Times (OR). Founded in 1908 and guided by four generations of the Aldrich and Forrester families, EO Media Group has been a cornerstone of community journalism, with a legacy highlighted by impactful initiatives like the Pendleton Round-Up and the restoration of Astoria’s Liberty Theater. EO Media leaders Stephen A. Forrester and Kathryn B. Brown reflected on the family’s deep community ties, expressing pride in the company’s contributions and optimism for its future under new leadership.
Shaw Media Acquires Kankakee Daily Journal
Shaw Media announced in October 2024 its acquisition of the Daily Journal (IL), a publication with over a century of service to the Kankakee community. The transfer marks the end of the Small family’s stewardship of the newspaper, which began with Leslie C. Small in 1903 and continued through generations of leadership. The acquisition includes the Daily Journal (IL) and Lifestyle magazine. Current owners Len, Tom, and Jennifer Small expressed pride in their staff and community impact, adding, “We congratulate the Shaw organization for their commitment and will celebrate the progress of the new company.”
Shaw Media, led by President & CEO John Rung, is committed to preserving the Daily Journal’s legacy and integrating it into its robust network of local newspapers across Illinois and the Midwest.
Capital Region Independent Media acquires Cobleskill Times-Journal
Jim and Sandy Poole, owners of the Times-Journal in Cobleskill, NY have sold the newspaper after 32 years of ownership to Capital Region Independent Media. The acquisition aims to enhance regional news coverage and community engagement. Mr. Mark Vinciguerra, owner of Capital Region Independent Media, publishes the Ravena News-Herald, Greenville Pioneer, Granville Sentinel and The Whitehall Times among his six weeklies and many specialty magazines.
“Mark knows the value of local news, and he very much recognizes that people in rural communities can’t get reliable news without dependable papers,” Jim Poole said. “At the same time, Mark’s innovative by boosting the digital side. He’ll raise the Times-Journal to a level it hasn’t been before.”
Wenatchee World acquires NCWLIFE
It was announced October 1, 2024 that the Wenatchee World, a long-standing newspaper serving North Central Washington, has acquired local television station NCWLIFE from LocalTel Communications. All NCWLIFE employees have been offered positions under the new ownership. The NCWLIFE name and programming, including popular shows like Wake Up Wenatchee Valley and NCWLIFE Evening News, will remain intact, continuing to broadcast on multiple platforms. This acquisition, led by The World’s parent company, Wick Communications, aims to expand local news capabilities and provide more comprehensive coverage across the region.
By combining the Wenatchee World’s trusted print journalism with NCWLIFE’s video and digital storytelling, the partnership enhances how local news is delivered, meeting audiences on their preferred platforms. LocalTel owners Dimitri and Brenda Mandelis expressed excitement about the merger’s potential, while Wick CEO Francis Wick highlighted the move as a forward-thinking example of media collaboration that strengthens community connections and news distribution.
Adams Publishing Group acquires The Cheyenne Post
Adams Publishing Group (APG) purchased The Cheyenne Post, a Wyoming-based newspaper, from Golden Media Inc. This acquisition enhances APG’s presence in the region, aligning with its strategy to bolster community-focused news coverage.
Vince Bodiford has been named as the new regional president.
Adams Publishing Group is the owner of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, the Laramie Boomerang, the Rawlins Times and the Rocket Miner in Rock Springs, all of which Bodiford will oversee.
Oshkosh Herald acquires Winneconne News
The Winneconne News (WI) was acquired by Oshkosh Herald LLC. Editor Becky LaDue, who has led the newspaper since 2008, will continue in her role alongside her staff at the publication’s office located at 908 E. Main St. in Winneconne. As part of the acquisition, Oshkosh Herald LLC also took ownership of Rogers Printing, which operates at the same location. The weekly Winneconne News, a staple in the community for 153 years, has been a weekly publication owned and operated by the Rogers family since 1953.
The Winneconne News now joins the Oshkosh Herald (founded in 2018) and the Neenah News (founded in 2022) under the Oshkosh Herald LLC umbrella.
December 2024
Carpenter Media Group Acquires M. Roberts Media
Carpenter Media Group announced Dec. 6, 2024 its acquisition of M. Roberts Media, a family-owned Texas media company established in 1942. M. Roberts Media publishes seven award-winning newspapers, including the Victoria Advocate, Longview News-Journal, and Tyler Morning
Telegraph, alongside a variety of magazines such as ETX View and Discover 361.
Stephen McHaney, the company’s third-generation leader, expressed confidence in Carpenter Media Group’s ability to uphold and expand on the mission of fostering engaged communities through impactful journalism.
Carpenter Media Group, led by Chairman Todd Carpenter, sees the acquisition as a milestone in its commitment to local journalism and community service. Carpenter Media Group aims to honor M. Roberts Media’s legacy while expanding its reach and impact.
5280 Magazine acquired by Charity Huff
Daniel Brogan, founder of 5280 Magazine in Colorado, announced its sale on December 3, 2024 to Charity Huff, who established 5280 Elevated, Inc. to manage the acquisition. Huff plans to expand the magazine’s digital and experiential platforms while maintaining its journalistic integrity.
Daniel Brogan, 5280’s founder, says that maintaining the magazine’s local and independent ownership was paramount in selecting who would carry on its legacy. “I wanted to find a new owner who cares about Denver and sees our community as more than just a piggy bank. Charity is that person,” Brogan says. “She’s fully committed to our local team and our local community. I’m excited to see 5280 flourish and grow under her leadership.”
CherryRoad Media purchases Missouri newspapers
On Dec. 4, 2024 it was announced CherryRoad Media acquired the Lincoln County Journal, Elsberry Democrat, and Troy Free Press, all located in Missouri, from Lakeway Publishers, Inc. This move signifies CherryRoad’s commitment to strengthening local journalism within the state.
In addition to the three Lincoln County publications, also included in the purchase is the Centralia Fireside Guard, Hermann Advertiser Courier, Lake Gazette (Monroe County), Pike County News and Vandalia Leader.
Jeremy Gulban, CEO of CherryRoad Media said that not much would change in the running of the papers. However, he said that the papers’ digital presence would be increasing going forward. All of the papers will continue to publish a weekly print edition while also working to improve its reach to those audiences that get their news entirely online, Gulban said. CherryRoad has encouraged the same at its other newspapers, as he said smaller outfits often do not have the resources necessary to do so.
The sale becomes effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Sample News Group acquires Bee Newspaper Group
Sample News Group, publisher of more than 75 titles, has acquired the Bee Newspaper Group from the Measer family in Williamsville, New York. The deal includes nine local publications in newspapers in the communities surrounding Buffalo, New York, with a combined weekly circulation of over 47,000. Announced by George “Scoop” Sample, owner of Sample News Group, and Trey Measer, president of Bee Newspapers, the acquisition continues nearly 150 years of community journalism in the Buffalo area.
Sample News Group took ownership on Dec. 2, 2024 with Brian Nalepa overseeing operations and Heather Zerillo integrating the Bee Group into her portfolio.
Hearst Magazines acquires MotorTrend Group
Hearst Magazines has acquired MotorTrend Group, a Warner Bros. Discovery business that includes MotorTrend, Hot Rod, and Roadkill, along with digital, print, and live event offerings.
MotorTrend, with over 30 million monthly users and 500,000 live event attendees, will continue operations in El Segundo, CA, and Detroit, MI.
Debi Chirichella, president of Hearst Magazines, said in a Dec. 6 statement that the acquisition expands Hearst’s digital reach and community engagement opportunities.
Helena-World owners purchase Scott County Newspapers
The owners of the Helena World and Monroe County in rural Arkansas announced the purchase of the Waldron News and the Mansfield Citizen in Scott County, AR which ceased publication earlier this year.
Andrew Bagley, who co-owns the papers with retired businessman Chuck Davis and who is president of the Arkansas Press Association, said in a statement issued Dec. 6, 2024, he intends to publish one paper that will cover both communities.
He said, “I am respectful of the histories of each of these storied publications, but the economics, along with the logistics of managing a publication across the state from our base in The Delta, make this the best path forward.”
A final date to begin publishing has not yet been determined but the plan is for it to be as soon as possible in 2025.
McClatchy completes merger with Accelerate360
McClatchy has merged with accelerate360 to form McClatchy Media Company, reaching 100 million unique visitors monthly.
Announced in August and finalized in December, the merger combines McClatchy’s 30 news brands, including The Miami Herald and The Sacramento Bee, with accelerate360’s lifestyle titles like Us Weekly and Soap Opera Digest.
Tony Hunter, McClatchy Media Company chairman and CEO, stated the merger enables scaled digital platforms, expanded content offerings, and enhanced audience access for marketing partners, leveraging a vast North American retail network of over 56,000 locations.
Nebraska newspapers Saved by last-minute deals
The Ainsworth (Nebraska) Star-Journal has been saved by a last-minute purchase that the co-owner Rod Worrell calls a “Christmas miracle.”
The paper is being taken over by a group that includes local radio station owner Graig Kinzie and Clint and Katie Painter, who own a car dealership in Ainsworth, the Nebraska Examiner reports. Also in the group are Kirk and Chelsea Peterson. Kinzie was preparing to assume ownership of the paper, but couldn’t find anyone to run it in the tight labor market. But the Painters came forward and said their daughter Erin is returning to town and is interested in doing the job.
The Valentine Midland News, another paper run by Worrell and his wife Kathy, has also been saved by a separate group.
Hearst Connecticut Media negotiating to buy Republican-American
Hearst Connecticut Media Group (HCMG) is in negotiations to acquire the family-owned Republican-American newspaper in Waterbury, along with the Citizens News. The deal, announced in December and potentially closing in January, would expand HCMG’s network of 30 local newspapers and websites.
Republican-American Publisher William B. Pape II, great-grandson of the paper’s founder, endorsed the merger.