Gannett is selling five local publications to Phillips Media Group. The publications include:
- The Baxter Bulletin (Mountain Home, Arkansas)
- The Big Nickel (Joplin, Missouri)
- The Rolla Daily News (Missouri)
- The Kirksville Daily Express (Missouri)
- The NEMO Trader (La Plata, Missouri)
Gannett has owned the Baxter Bulletin for 26 years. The paper calls itself “Baxter County’s paper of record.” Moreover, the Bulletin was founded in 1901.
Rupert E. Phillips founded Phillips Media Group. Additionally, he was publisher of the the Bulletin for a time.
The Bulletin’s headquarters in the Mountain Home town square had been listed for sale. However, the property is included in this deal with Phillips.
Baxter Bulletin readers are hopeful about the new ownership. Several commented on the Bulletin’s Facebook page and are optimistic.
Dirks, Van Essen & April represented Gannett in the deal. Terms were not disclosed but the transaction is expected to close September 1. Furthermore, the firm says all of these publications are within the operating footprint of Phillips’ other properties.
“We are excited to bring these publications into our group. We believe we have the expertise to effectively operate publications in these markets, putting out products that will be valued by the respective communities.”
Jim Holland, president of Phillips Media Group
Phillips purchased the Quincy Herald-Whig and Hannibal Courier Post earlier this year.
Gannett is the largest newspaper publisher in the United States. Furthermore, the publisher continues to sell off local newspapers. Bernie Szachara, who leads Gannett’s U.S. publishing operations, recently told Poynter:
“Our mission is to empower communities, and our decisions are driven by our commitment to best serve them. Having been approached by prospective buyers, we’ve carefully considered what was best for both our company and the community, and we’re pleased that in several situations, a local owner will continue to lead these brands into the future.”
Bernie Szachara, Gannett
