January – September 2024Back to News
A look at the first three quarters in 2024 highlights a variety in deal activity and the diversity in buyers. Buyers have included traditional media companies, individual investors, non-profit organizations, and local community groups.
Owners of newspaper clusters continue to build larger regional footprints, allowing them to leverage management over more revenue and find value through consolidation of back-office functions.
Smaller operators are facing increasing difficulties due to a lack of scale needed to manage expenses. This is driving them to sell, often with a larger company coming in as the successful buyer.
In the 39 deals we have tracked so far in 2024, there have been 28 separate buyers. Public deal information follows.
January 2024
Heartland Media Group purchases Carroll Co. Comet
It was announced that Heartland Media Group purchased Carroll County Comet in Delphi, IN in January 2024. Don Hurd, CEO of Heartland’s sister company, Hoosier Media Group, said that the Comet is now a part of their network of “hyper-local” newspapers around IN, all with the goal of being “highly engaged” with their community.
Local Ownership for Alt-weekly in Cleveland
Cleveland Scene Magazine in Cleveland, OH, owned by Chava Communications, has been sold to Cleveland Magazine parent company Great Lakes Publishing. The sale returns the alt-weekly to local ownership and, for Great Lakes, enhances an existing portfolio of regional publications.
“This move aligns with our mission to provide compelling content that resonates with everyone in our local community,” said Great Lakes Publishing president Lute Harmon, Jr., in a press release.
While editorial resources may be shared across Great Lakes Publishing titles, Scene will continue operating as a print and digital product separate from Cleveland Magazine.
Coon Rapids Enterprise under new ownership
The Sheldon-based company Iowa Information Media Group took over ownership of the Coon Rapids Enterprise at the beginning of this year. The company owns the Carroll Times Herald, Jefferson Herald and more publications across western IA.
The Coon Rapids Enterprise began in 1881 and has been published for 142 years. Previous owner / publisher of the Enterprise, Charles Nixon plans to retire after 42 years of work, with over 60 years of the publication in his family line.
Gazette takes over daily newspapers in New York’s Columbia, Greene counties
The Schenectady, NY-based Daily Gazette Co. took over operations for The Register-Star in Columbia County and The Daily Mail in Greene County, and the papers’ joint website, Hudson Valley 360 from the Watertown-based Johnson Newspaper Corp.
“We are truly excited to take on full operational control of The Daily Mail, Register-Star and Hudson Valley 360,” said Gazette President and Publisher John DeAugustine. “These products will be wonderful additions to our family of newspapers and only add to our mission of creating outstanding local journalism for generations to come.”
College newspaper, The Daily Iowan, purchases two nearby weeklies
The Daily Iowan purchased two weekly newspapers near Iowa City, IA — the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun and Solon Economist. The acquisition from Dubuque-based Woodward Communications marks the first newspaper purchase for the DI.
The Sun will retain its office in downtown Mount Vernon.
The Daily Iowan, a part of the Iowa City-based non-profit corporation Student Publications, Inc., is the nationally recognized and award-winning student newspaper housed on the University of Iowa’s campus. The UI’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication will jointly operate the Mount Vernon and Solon newspapers to provide student journalists with opportunities to contribute to the publications and gain local reporting experience. The papers’ local editors will continue to lead the editorial direction.
Page 1 Printers sold to CherryRoad Media
Slayton, MN based Page 1 Printers was purchased by CherryRoad Media.
Jeremy Gulban, chief executive officer at CherryRoad said, “This acquisition adds to our portfolio of serving the newspaper and commercial printing space, expanding our presence in the Midwest.”
Twin-City News to acquire Saluda Standard-Sentinel
The Twin-City News acquired The Saluda (SC) Standard-Sentinel, the newspaper that has served the Saluda County community since 1900. The newspaper merged with the Twin-City News of Batesburg-Leesville at the first of the year.
February 2024
Nelson Media acquires Journal-Eureka, saves it from closing
Another Woodward Communications-owned local newspaper, the 167-year-old Anamosa Journal-Eureka, in Anamosa, IA, was sold to Nelson Media Company; the last minute deal came after the Journal-Eureka had already announced its impending closure following its Feb. 1 edition, however on Feb. 2 Nelson Media CEO Chris Nelson stepped in to draw up a tentative agreement to purchase the paper, all before noon that day.
“Local content is the heartbeat of the community,” said Mr. Nelson. “We want to have really good news in our newspaper, but we’re also going to hold the powerful accountable … what makes our democracy so wonderful is the ability (to have) free speech.”
Sweet Tea Media purchases Blade-Empire Publishing Company
Sweet Tea Media, owned and operated by Kevin and Angie Zadina of Seward, NE, finalized a deal with the Blade-Empire Publishing Company (KS) shareholders to purchase the assets that include The Concordia Blade-Empire, the Beloit Call, The Miltonvale Record and Print 5.
Brad Lowell, longtime editor and publisher of The Concordia Blade-Empire and president of Blade-Empire Publishing Co., passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023, at the age of 85.
March 2024
Sarasota Magazine purchased by Florida company DreamLarge
DreamLarge has acquired Sarasota Magazine (FL), the leading lifestyle publication in the Sarasota region. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies, with DreamLarge broadening its presence in the media industry and Sarasota Magazine poised for a new era of growth and innovation. Sarasota Magazine was previously owned by SagaCity Media. SagaCity Media, Inc. is the parent company of premium local lifestyle media brands in Seattle, Portland, Houston, Aspen, Vail and Park City.
Under DreamLarge’s stewardship, Sarasota Magazine will continue to operate independently, preserving its editorial integrity and commitment to excellence while benefiting from the resources and expertise of its new parent company.
Hearst acquires Austin magazines, launches new media unit
Hearst Newspapers, owner of the San Antonio Express-News (TX) is continuing its expansion into Austin with the acquisition of two magazines and associated websites. The company, which earlier this year launched Austin Daily, a newsletter and online product reporting on Austin’s culture and politics, has acquired Austin Monthly and Austin Home magazines from Open Sky Media. Terms were not disclosed. Hearst will roll the two Austin publications into HTA Media, a new Austin-based media organization.
The magazine acquisitions are Hearst’s second and third from Open Sky.
Carpenter Media Group Acquires BPM
Carpenter Media Group (CMG) acquired U.S. and Canadian publisher Black Press Media (BPM) in a stock purchase with Canadian financial partner Canso Investment Counsel, LTD. New corporate entities were formed in the U.S. and Canada to hold the stock and assets. CMG and Canso will share total ownership equally, and CMG will manage the companies.
BPM owns more than 150 newspapers and media operations in Western Canada, WA and HI, including The Star-Advertiser in Honolulu, the sixth-largest U.S. daily newspaper by print circulation. Other assets include websites, lifestyle and tourism magazines, Amazon last-mile delivery franchises and national tourism website Hawaii.com. BPM serves about 4.5 million print readers and 13 million digital readers daily.
CMG is a leading community media company with operations in TX, LA, MS, TN, GA, NC, VA, and KY. Todd Carpenter, of Natchez, MS, is principal and chairman. Tim Prince, of Mountain Brook, AL, is CEO. CMG has offices in Natchez, MS and Tuscaloosa, AL, with key people working from various operations throughout the group.
April 2024
O’Rourke Media Group acquires Times Publishing Newspapers, Inc.
Times Newspapers, Inc. in Bucks County, PA was acquired by O’Rourke Media Group, based in Gilbert, AZ.
Times Publishing’s group of papers include the Doylestown Observer, Fairless Focus, Langhorne Ledger, Morrisville Times, Newtown Gazette, Northampton Herald, New Hope News, Lower Southampton Spirit, Warwick Journal and the Yardley Voice.
“I’m excited about our acquisition of the Times Publishing Newspapers. Donna Allen and her team have done an amazing job consistently and creatively growing print advertising revenue,” said Jim O’Rourke, OMG CEO-Owner. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to acquire and continue to run this group.”
The strategic acquisition of Times Publishing Newspapers, Inc. represents continued expansion in the East/Northeast region of the U.S. for OMG. The company also operates local newspapers, websites and niche publications in DE, VA, and VT.
Schneps Media acquires Fire Island News
Schneps Media, the largest local news group in NY state, acquired the Fire Island News, the longest-running newspaper covering the barrier island and Great South Bay Suffolk County communities.
Schneps purchased the Fire Island News for an undisclosed sum from Chris and Laura Mercogliano, who ran the newspaper for nearly a decade.
The Fire Island News also covers and distributes throughout the communities of the Great South Bay. The publication had previously been biweekly for the past decade and has traditionally been published between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Schneps Media will be expanding the print newspapers’ frequency to ten issues during the summer season and expand to serve the Great South Bay communities on a monthly basis throughout the rest of the year starting Fall 2024. It also continually publishes content online at FireIslandNews.com.
Schneps Media owns dozens of other newspapers, magazines and online media outlets across the NY metro area, Philadelphia, and FL, in addition to hosting more than 50 events annually.
Carter Publishing sells the Kernersville (NC) News to Paxton Media Group
Meredith Owensby Harrell has sold Carter Publishing Co., Inc. d/b/a Kernersville News (NC) to Paxton Media Group. The Kernersville News was founded in 1938 and has been owned by the Carter/Owensby-Harrell family since its inception. It is currently a twice weekly and TMC product.
The Kernersville News will join the nearly 20 other Paxton-owned newspapers in NC managed by Group Publisher Jana Thomasson. “We are excited to serve the readers and advertisers of the Kernersville News,” said Jana Thomasson. “Our company and staff are committed to providing local news, sports and marketing opportunities to the community.”
Carpenter Media Group acquires The Daily Iberian
New Iberia Newsmedia (LA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Carpenter Media Group (CMG) acquired The Daily Iberian from Wick Communications of Sierra Vista, AZ.
The aquisition included The Daily Iberian, its website and all affiliate publications. CMG also owns nearby newspapers in LA including The (Lake Charles) American Press, The (Bogalusa) Daily News, and L’Observateur (LaPlace). CMG owns and manages newspapers and media companies in AK, GA, HI, NC, MS, TN, TX, VA, and WA.
May 2024
Schneps Media Acquires Anton Media
Schneps Media, the largest local news group in NY state, has acquired Anton Media Group, the publisher of The Port Washington News and other local community newspapers and magazines across Nassau County.
In addition to the Port Washington News, the company also publishes the Great Neck Record, Manhasset Press, The Roslyn News, Glen Cove/Oyster Bay Record Pilot, Syosset-Jericho Tribune, Nassau Illustrated News, Nassau Observer, Long Island Weekly, Blvd and a group of magazines.
“We are very excited to be carrying the torch of such prestigious media outlets,” said Joshua Schneps, CEO of Schneps Media.
Daily Gazette publisher on track to own paper by year’s end
The owners of the Daily Gazette (Schenectady, NY) have agreed to the framework of a deal to sell the company to Gazette publisher John DeAugustine, the Hume-Lind family announced in May 2024. The planned sale would end the Hume-Lind family’s 130-year tenure owning the publication.
DeAugustine said he expects the sale to be completed by the end of 2024.
Mid-Atlantic Media acquires Chesapeake Family Life
Mid-Atlantic Media, LLC expanded its media holdings with the acquisition of the Annapolis, MD, Chesapeake Family Life publication.
Chesapeake Family Life, a regional parenting magazine covering Annapolis and its Chesapeake Bay area suburbs, was sold by Jefferson Communications, LLC. and its Owner/Publisher Donna Jefferson. Terms of the deal were not released.
Mid-Atlantic Media CEO and Publisher Craig Burke said that the acquisition of Chesapeake Family Life is a welcomed addition to the media company’s strategic plans. Mid-Atlantic Media is a growing media company centered in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. corridor and greater Philadelphia metropolitan markets, with services that encompass the mid-Atlantic region.
Nebraska Public Media takes over two news properties
Nebraska Public Media (Lincoln, NE) has acquired The Reader and El Perico from Pioneer Publishing. Nebraska Public Media plans to provide an archive of past content and develop a plan to continue to add new content to the digital sites.
Pioneer Publishing founder John Heaston gifted the properties to Nebraska Public Media.
Carpenter Media Group to Acquire 10 Titles and Print Facility from CNHI
Carpenter Media Group (CMG) acquired ten newspapers spread across AL, GA, and MS, as well as a print facility in Valdosta, GA from CNHI, LLC. Terms were not disclosed.
The titles acquired include The Meridian (MS) Star, Dalton (GA) Daily Citizen, Milledgeville (GA) Union-Recorder, Valdosta (GA) Daily Times, Moultrie (GA) Observer, Thomasville (GA) Times-Enterprise, Tifton (GA) Gazette, Athens (AL) News Courier, Cullman (AL) Times, and the St. Clair (AL) News Aegis.
Donna Barrett, CNHI’s president and CEO, said she is proud of what the newspapers and their teams have accomplished in serving their communities with meaningful local news. “It has been our honor to have these newspapers as part of CNHI.” Barrett said. “We know their good work will continue under Carpenter Media Group.”
El Rito Media acquires Alamogordo Daily News, the Carlsbad Current Argus, and Ruidoso News
Two years ago, a group of Republicans and Democrats, contrarians all, formed El Rito Media, LLC for the purpose of undertaking an experiment. Their question was whether a formula could be devised for saving local newspapers? Local newspapers were disappearing, but the members of El Rito considered local newspapers to be vital to the wellbeing of local communities.
El Rito’s initial purchase in 2022 was the Rio Grande Sun in Española, NM. One year ago, it bought The Artesia Daily Press in Artesia, NM.
Now, the experiment continues as El Rito Media, LLC purchased three additional newspapers in NM: the Alamogordo Daily News, the Carlsbad Current Argus, and the Ruidoso News from Gannett. This will bring El Rito’s ownership of local newspapers in the state to five.
“Gannett’s mission is to empower and enrich communities across the country, and our business decisions are driven by our commitment to best serve them,” said Michael Anastasi, Gannett VP of Local News. “We are grateful for the support of our readers and advertisers throughout the years and thank our employees for their dedication and hard work.”
Sunnyside Sun staff bring ownership home
After five years of out-of-state ownership, the Sunnyside (WA) Sun announced that two members of its management staff have purchased the local newspaper.
Ileana Martinez and Job Wise, incoming owners of the Sunnyside Sun, are long-standing employees of the newspaper with a combined experience exceeding 25 years. The entrepreneurs were approved for the Revolving Loan Fund (RFL) program through the City of Sunnyside in March to aid in the acquisition of the business.
Since 2018 the Daily Sun News has been owned by Andy McNab, a retired newspaper publisher from Grangeville, ID.
Ballantine Communications acquires Farmington (NM) Daily Times
Ballantine Communications Inc., which owns The Durango Herald and The Journal in Southwest CO, purchased the Farmington Daily Times from Gannett Co. Inc.
BCI also owns the Tri-City Record in Farmington, NM. The company said it planned to merge the Farmington Daily Times with the Tri-City Record effective June 1 to strengthen local news coverage across San Juan County, NM.
“We look forward to welcoming the Farmington Daily Times’ readers and winning them over with our commitment to credible and comprehensive local reporting,” said John Blais, CEO and publisher for BCI, in a letter to employees announcing the deal.
View Newspaper Group acquires J-Ad newspapers
View Newspaper Group (MI) Owner and President Rick Burrough announced the locally owned newspaper company has acquired the business operations of J-Ad newspapers in MI, which includes the weekly publications Hastings Banner, Hastings Reminder, Lowell Ledger, Lowell Buyers Guide, Battle Creek Shopper News, Marshall Advisor & Chronicle and Sun & News, which covers Middleville and Caledonia.
“The Jacobs family has been great stewards of the J-Ad group of newspapers for nearly 80 years,” said Burrough.
June 2024
Boone Newsmedia, Carpenter Media Group announce publication ownership changes
Boone Newsmedia, Inc., (BNI) and Carpenter Media Group (CMG) announced future ownership of eight local media companies that had been jointly owned by the two companies.
In a series of transactions effective June 1, CMG acquired BNI’s interests in the following affiliates: Bainbridge (GA) Media, publisher of The Post-Searchlight; Brookhaven (MS) Newsmedia; publisher of The Daily Leader; Elizabethton (TN) Newsmedia, publisher of the Elizabethton Star; Frankfort (KY) Newsmedia, publisher of The State Journal; Oxford (MS) Newsmedia, publisher of The Oxford Eagle; and Tryon (NC) Newsmedia, publisher of the Daily Bulletin.
BNI acquired CMG’s interest in the following affiliates: Tidewater (VA) Publications, publisher of The Tidewater News; and Washington (NC) Newsmedia, publisher of the Washington Daily News. In addition, CMG acquired the Ironton (OH) Tribune and related print and digital publications from BNI.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Pamplin Media Group sells to Carpenter Media Group
Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. sold Pamplin Media Group to Carpenter Media Group, effective June 1, 2024.
“After 25 years operating Oregon’s largest newspaper group, we made the decision to sell the company,” said Pamplin. “Due to age and health reasons, it made sense to pass the company on to someone else who will carry on the tradition of balanced journalism, the old-fashioned way.”
The transaction includes the following OR publications and websites: Portland Tribune, Lake Oswego Review, West Linn Tidings, Wilsonville Spokesman, The News-Times (Forest Grove and Hillsboro), The Times (Tigard and Tualatin), Beaverton Valley Times, The Outlook (Gresham), Sandy Post, Estacada News, Columbia County Spotlight (Scappoose and St. Helens), The Herald-Pioneer (Canby and Molalla), Woodburn Independent, Newberg Graphic, Madras Pioneer, Central Oregonian (Prineville), Milwaukie Review, Oregon City News, Sherwood Gazette, Southwest Community Connection (Portland), The Bee (Portland), Business Tribune and Your Oregon News.
July 2024
Blank Slate Media sells to Schneps Media
Schneps Media has acquired Blank Slate Media (NY), publisher of Great Neck News, Manhasset Times, Roslyn Times, Williston Times, Port Washington Times, New Hyde Park Herald Courier and theisland360.com.
The titles competed directly with Anton Media Group, which Schneps Media recently acquired. The combined entity will dominate Nassau County by providing greater reach and more robust coverage of each neighborhood.
Steven Blank, Blank Slate Media’s owner, will take on the title of publisher and editor of the combined division.
New Seattle-based media group buys Portland Mercury, The Stranger
A recently formed media group is taking over as majority owner of the Portland Mercury (OR) alternative weekly, along with its sister publication, The Stranger, in Seattle (WA). Noisy Creek Inc. will also acquire the events guide associated with each publication, EverOut, and the ticketing platform Bold Type Tickets from the Mercury’s parent company, Index Newspapers.
Noisy Creek is funded by 20 people, including majority shareholder Brady Walkinshaw, who is the former CEO of media outlet Grist and former Democratic state lawmaker in Washington.
Reaves & Williams acquires The Current, Lewis County Press Newspapers
Reaves & Williams Publishing Group (RWPG), headquartered in Cookeville, TN has announced the acquisition of Lewis County Press (LCP). Titles include: The Current, Fulton, KY and South Fulton, TN; The Coalfield Progress, VA; The Dickenson Star, VA; The Post, VA; Marlow Review, OK; Blackwell Journal Tribune, OK; DeWitt Era Enterprise, AR; Press News Journal, MO; Monroe County Appeal, MO; Ralls County Herald Enterprise, MO; and Lamar Democrat, MO.
Paxton Media Group Acquires Four Titles from Rust Communications
The community newspapers in Dyersburg, TN and Brazil, Greencastle, and Greene County, IN were acquired by Paxton Media Group from Cape Girardeau, Missouri-based Rust Communications. Terms were not disclosed.
Rust acquired the Greencastle (IN) Banner Graphic in 1999, the Brazil (IN) Times in 2001, and the former Linton (IN) Daily Citizen and Bloomfield (IN) Evening World in 2003. The Daily Citizen and Evening World were merged in 2005 to form the Greene County Daily World. Interestingly, Rust purchased the Dyersburg (TN) State-Gazette from Paxton Media Group back in 2000, so the operation will be back in familiar hands.
Paxton Media Group (PMG), based in Paducah, KY, is a family-owned company founded in 1896. It is currently led by President and CEO Jamie Paxton who is the fifth generation of the Paxton family to hold the title of president of the company.
Times Media acquires two California news groups
Times Media Group (TMG), the fast-growing publisher of more than 60 publications and websites across AZ and CA, has announced the acquisition of two well-known Southern CA news groups: Laguna Beach-based Firebrand Media and Century Media Group, which serves multiple Inland Empire communities.
Firebrand Media publishes the Laguna Beach Independent, the Newport Beach Independent and the Coast Real Estate Guide, as well as the award-winning regional publications Laguna Beach Magazine and Newport Beach Magazine, all local publications serving the two popular beach communities.
Century Group Media has operated weekly community newspapers in California’s Inland Empire for the past 37 years. The deal with TMG includes the Redlands Community News, Yucaipa News Mirror, Calimesa News Mirror, Fontana Herald News, The Record Gazette serving Banning and Beaumont, and the outlets’ websites.
August 2024
Carpenter Media Group Acquires 16 Titles and Print Facility from Phillips Media Group
Carpenter Media Group (CMG) acquired Phillips Media Group’s 16 community newspapers spread across AR, MO and IL, as well as Nowata Printing Company in Springfield, MO. Terms were not disclosed.
The titles acquired include the Quincy (IL) Herald Whig, Baxter (AR) Bulletin, Harrison (AR) Daily Times, Newton County (AR) Times, Big Nickel, Bolivar (MO) Herald-Free Press, Buffalo (MO) Reflex, Cedar County (MO) Republican, Christian County (MO) Headliner News, Kirksville (MO) Daily Express, The Marshfield (MO) Mail, NEMO Trader, Sedalia (MO) Democrat, Warrensburg (MO) Star-Journal, The West Plains (MO) Daily Quill, and the Hannibal (MO) Courier Post.
“We feel fortunate to succeed Rupert Phillips and his team in these communities with these newspapers that are so important to each one” said Todd Carpenter, chairman of CMG.
Times Hudson Valley Media to add two publications
The Times Hudson Valley Media group will expand to five publications later this month with the acquisition of The Cornwall Local and The News of the Highlands, weekly newspapers serving Cornwall and the Town of Highlands in Orange County, NY.
“We are honored for the opportunity to continue the tradition forged by Constantine Sidamon-Eristoff and his family,” Carl Aiello, founder of the Times Hudson Valley Media group, said.
Mullen Newspaper purchasing Independent Observer
Jesse Mullen, owner of the Mullen Newspaper Company, based in Deer Lodge, MT, has purchased the Independent Observer weekly newspaper in Conrad, MT. Mullen Newspaper Co. operates nine other weekly newspapers in MT, including the Valierian, also based in Pondera County as well as the Shelby Promoter, Cut Bank Pioneer Press and the Glacier Reporter in Browning.
Owner Jesse Mullen said. “With our joint resources, we will continue to provide great journalism and marketing opportunities for our faithful customers in Pondera County.”
September 2024
Mid-Atlantic Media acquires Pittsburgh Parent
Mid-Atlantic Media, LLC has expanded its media holdings with the acquisition of Pittsburgh (PA) Parent magazine.
Pittsburgh Parent, a regional parenting magazine covering Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding suburbs, was sold by Honey Hill Publishing Inc. and its Owner/Publisher Lynn Honeywill-Norris. Terms of the deal were not released.
Mid-Atlantic Media CEO and Publisher Craig Burke said that the acquisition of Pittsburgh Parent is another welcomed addition to the media company’s strategic plans. “We’re adding these parenting publications to our media portfolio in a smart, strategic way. This is our sixth parenting publication acquisition, and all of them are regionally close to one another.”
Hoffmann Media Group Acquires Napa Valley Register from Lee Enterprises
The Napa Valley Register, St. Helena Star and Inside Napa Valley magazine (CA) have been sold to the Hoffmann Media Group, publisher of a dozen local newspapers and healthcare-related digital products in FL and MI. Terms were not disclosed. Lee had owned the publications since 2005.
Hoffmann Media Group, headquartered in Fort Myers, FL, is a subsidiary of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a privately-held firm with a wide variety of holdings.
“We’re excited to bring these publications back to private ownership and local management,” said Geoff Hoffmann, co-CEO of the Hoffmann Family of Companies.