J. Louis Mullen Acquires News Printing CompanyBack to News

Newton, IA – November 4, 2025 – J. Louis Mullen has acquired News Printing Company (NPC) in central Iowa from Shaw Media. The acquisition includes the Newton News, Jasper County Tribune, PCM Explorer, and Jasper County Advertiser. 

The Newton News, long recognized as Jasper County’s leading source of local news, publishes two print editions per week and an e-Edition. Founded in 1902 as the Newton Daily News, the publication was acquired by Shaw Media in 1944. NPC’s portfolio also includes the weekly newspapers: Jasper County Tribune and PCM Explorer, along with the Jasper County Advertiser, a total-market coverage shopper serving area residents and businesses. 

NPC’s digital presence is anchored by NewtonDailyNews.com, the top local news website in Jasper County, attracting more than 35,500 unique visitors and 100,000 pageviews per month. The site has been recognized by the Iowa Newspaper Foundation as one of the best in its category. NPC also produces several specialty publications throughout the year, including Jasper County Living, Central Iowa Ag Mag, and Senior Lifestyles. 

Dirks, Van Essen & April, a media merger and acquisition firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, represented Shaw Media in the transaction. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. 

Founded in 1851, Shaw Media is one of the nation’s largest independent newspaper publishers and the third oldest continuously owned and operated family newspaper company in the United States. Shaw operates print and digital publications in Illinois and Iowa and also owns radio stations in Illinois. 

“With our business expanding elsewhere, we wanted to ensure a great future for our products in Newton and Jasper County. We believe Louie Mullen and his commitment to journalism and business in local communities will be a great fit,” said Don T. Bricker, Chief Administrative Officer at Shaw Media.

J. Louis “Louie” Mullen, part of a second-generation newspaper family, now owns more than 40 newspapers across seven states, spanning from the upper Midwest to the West Coast. He currently serves on the board of the National Newspaper Association.

“I want to thank Shaw Media and Kelli Bultena with Dirk, Van Essen and April for what has been a speedy and seamless transaction. It’s great to see community papers are still vibrant and impactful in their mission and I look forward to many more years of work to continue that goal,” said Mullen.