The Reformer reports that it is being sold:
“Digital First Media will complete the sale of New England Newspapers Inc., which includes the Brattleboro Reformer, to Birdland Acquisition LLC on May 2. Included in the deal are the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass.
The principals in the new company include three Stockbridge, Mass., residents: John C. “Hans” Morris, former president of Visa Inc.; Fredric D. Rutberg, former Pittsfield (Mass.) District Court judge; and Robert G. Wilmers, chairman and CEO of M&T Bank. The fourth principal is Stanford Lipsey, publisher emeritus of The Buffalo News and former owner, publisher and Pulitzer Prize winner for The Sun Newspaper Group in Nebraska.”
Also: “An Editorial Advisory Board will be appointed to further engage the community, as will citizen journalists be recruited to enhance coverage of the outlying areas.”
Both the paper and the building it operates from have been sold in the same year.
Bodes well
At first glance, this look like it has the potential to be a great thing for our daily paper. A smaller operation, and more local in ownership than before.
I’m guessing but it is probably a relief to finally be free of Denver’s management.