USA TODAY Co., the nation's largest publisher of news and information, welcomed the Arizona Daily Star into its portfolio Sept. 28, in a deal with local news publisher Lee Enterprises Inc.
The deal allows each company to focus on markets where they already have operations, said USA TODAY Network Senior Vice President of Local News Michael A. Anastasi.
"This thoughtful transaction reflects a strategic decision to best serve these communities and support the future of local journalism," Anastasi said.
Lee Enterprises assumed ownership of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Aberdeen American News (including Farm Forum) and Watertown Public Opinion in South Dakota, as well as the Great Falls Tribune in Montana.
“We’re honored to deepen our commitment to the
communities of Montana and South Dakota,” said Nathan Bekke, Lee’s CEO and president. “Across the 193 brands we serve in 28 states, our focus is the same: providing trusted local news and information that helps people stay informed, connected and engaged in their communities.”
Lee operates the Billings Gazette, Independent Record, Missoulian, The Montana Standard, Ravalli Republic and the Rapid City Journal.
USA TODAY Co. and Lee previously worked together as TNI Partners. Lee oversaw the Arizona Daily Star’s newsroom and production while USA TODAY Co. handled sales, advertising and finance.
“As leaders in the industry, we have a responsibility to ensure local news organizations are positioned for long-term success,” Anastasi said. “We are proud to welcome the Arizona Daily Star and its talented team to the USA TODAY Network and look forward to building on its longstanding tradition of trusted local journalism.”
The terms of the deal were not made public. The acquisition follows USA TODAY Co.'s purchase of The Detroit News in January.
Meanwhile, the Tucson-based Arizona Daily Star and The Arizona Republic in Phoenix serve different audiences, said Greg Burton, executive editor of The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Co. senior regional editor. The Republic is the largest news operation in Arizona, and the Daily Star is one of the largest. The move provides USA TODAY Co. with unrivaled audience and reach throughout the state and will strengthen both brands.
“We complement each other really well,” he said. “We'll have reporters in Arizona's two largest cities and at or within minutes of the Mexican border, Grand Canyon, Navajo Nation, Scottsdale, Marysville, Casa Grande, Lost Dutchman and Picacho Peak. Investigations in both newsrooms are rooted in issues that matter to Arizonans — politics, water, fraud and abuse.”
The Daily Star celebrates its 150th anniversary next year, and The Republic, founded in 1890, has marked 136 years.
“When news breaks, we'll be there faster, stay longer and dig deeper,” Burton said.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Republic parent company USA TODAY Co. acquires Arizona Daily Star
