The Las Vegas Optic newspaper has been sold to O’Rourke Media Group by Paxton Media Group. The sale takes effect Monday, June 28. Paxton recently purchased the Optic as part of the 46 media entities recently acquired from Landmark Community Newspapers.
“I’m excited to plant a flag in the state of New Mexico with the acquisition of the Optic. I’m really looking forward to working with and investing in this talented, hardworking group of employees as we look to grow digital audience and revenue while continuing to publish an amazing print publication.”
O’Rourke Media Group CEO Jim O’Rourke
Printing since November 1879, the Las Vegas Optic is “the top source for comprehensive news and sports coverage of San Miguel and Mora counties in New Mexico.”
According to an article posted by Optic staff, O’Rourke says his company will announce “plans it has to better serve readers and advertisers” in the next few months. Furthermore, the newspaper will continue publishing every Wednesday and Friday.
Optic editor Phil Scherer says staff is “excited about the acquisition.”
O’Rourke Media Group describes itself as a “family-owned, community focused media company.” The company was launched in October 2018. To be clear, their mission is to “acquire hyper-local, print, and digital community newspapers” and implement their digital transformation playbook. Furthermore, the firm has a decentralized operation.
Dirks, Van Essen & April, a media merger and acquisition firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, represented Paxton Media Group. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
