Here we go again. It appears MediaNews Group (which owns the Brattleboro Reformer) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Bank of America controls a majority of stock in the reorganized company, but Dean Singleton (who else?) remains in control.
Anyone wanna buy a newspaper and make it local again?
Reformer Parent Co. Files for Bankruptcy | 2 comments | Create New Account
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Reformer Parent Co. Files for Bankruptcy
Authored by: meghanbh on Saturday, January 16 2010 @ 04:53 PM GMT+4
I, for one, am very thankful that Windham County does have its own local newspaper--The Commons. I would much rather get my news from a community-based independent source than a media conglomerate solely interested in "the bottom line." I think that with more community support, The Commons could increase its publication schedule and offer a product comparable to The Reformer in its offerings but of a much higher quality.
Authored by: imhennessy on Sunday, January 17 2010 @ 01:56 AM GMT+4
I see an awful lot of AP bylines in the Reformer, when I read it; but, I have been impressed with with local boosterism in the Town section. Obviously, I'm pleased to have been featured, but other local businesses, causes, events and personalities also get a bigger audience through the Reformer than they can through some of the other local outlets.
I guess I think that the Reformer is just one of several local (to varying degrees) news/media (there is rarely a difference) organizations. Just as the presence of the Commons spurs the Reformer, the Reformer helps to focus those involved with the Commons.
I'm starting to sound a little too market focused for my tastes, but this seems to be a situation where market forces are important.
I hope that we don't lose diversity in the local news world, just because some large companies don't know how to make money selling newspapers.
