The Falmouth Outlook newspaper has been sold to local ownership. Furthermore, the new own is a familiar and respected name. Neil Belcher is the new owner. Belcher had been working for Delphos Herald, Inc. in the publisher role since 2014. Fast forward to January 1, 2022 and he owns the paper with his wife, Marilyn.
According to a report in the Outlook, the new owner had left the newspaper business in 2011. His new career in insurance grew old quickly. The publisher opportunity at the Outlook was enough for the couple to move from Ohio.
Falmouth Outlook dates back to 1907 when it was founded by Warren J. Shonert with six subscribers. Now, the paper boasts a weekly circulation of 3,600 readers. The news source covers Pendleton County, Kentucky. Furthermore, that county has a population of nearly 15,000.
Media merger and acquisition firm Dirks, Van Essen & April represented Delphos in the deal.
“Neil Belcher has been a pleasure to work with over the past seven years. Community journalism is at the heart of our organization and Neil and his staff have dedicated themselves to telling the stories of Pendleton County in compelling ways that win loyal subscribers and win awards at the state level year after year.”
Delphos Herald, Inc. Acting President Roberta Cohen
Delphos had been seeking a local owner. To be clear, they found that in Belcher. We’ve been seeing a reverse in newspaper ownership trends. Above all, newspapers are increasingly returning to local ownership.
The firm Delphos Herald Inc. is based in Delphos, Ohio. It will continue to own and operate 15 newspapers in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. Some of those titles include the Delphos Herald, the Monroe County Beacon and the Waushara Argus.
