My Wednesday afternoon coffee drinking pals in in Des Moines, who are a bunch of ol’ pros on the Iowa sports scene, after hearing about Mike Hlas’ ouster at The Gazette, said they believe he was the last full-time sports columnist working in the state. He’s been a really good one. And, you know, he may get even better if he can go independent now.
Hadn't heard about Hlas. Not a good sign when the first move is to eliminate one of the most unique voices at the paper, someone offering something you can't get elsewhere. Seems a clear sign that the new owner isn't looking to improve the product. They might be a family owned newspaper company, but acquisitions never result in more investment. Until newspapers go the nonprofit route, it doesn't seem like there's much hope for them.
Part of my allegiance to The Gazette has been its independence. I will be watching and will probably pen the new corporate owner a note. Important Gazette milestones for me have been coverage of the 2008 and 1993 floods, derecho and Mercy Iowa City bankruptcy,liquidation and ongoing residuals. Local reporting has been the reason for my subscription. I am not shocked by the sale, but it is disappointing.
Cautiously optimistic after doing some background reading on the new owner. Good news is they don’t appear to be vultures like private equity or big chains like Gannett/Lee. But some concern about scarce resources and cash.
My Wednesday afternoon coffee drinking pals in in Des Moines, who are a bunch of ol’ pros on the Iowa sports scene, after hearing about Mike Hlas’ ouster at The Gazette, said they believe he was the last full-time sports columnist working in the state. He’s been a really good one. And, you know, he may get even better if he can go independent now.
Totally agree. He has good options.
Hadn't heard about Hlas. Not a good sign when the first move is to eliminate one of the most unique voices at the paper, someone offering something you can't get elsewhere. Seems a clear sign that the new owner isn't looking to improve the product. They might be a family owned newspaper company, but acquisitions never result in more investment. Until newspapers go the nonprofit route, it doesn't seem like there's much hope for them.
Part of my allegiance to The Gazette has been its independence. I will be watching and will probably pen the new corporate owner a note. Important Gazette milestones for me have been coverage of the 2008 and 1993 floods, derecho and Mercy Iowa City bankruptcy,liquidation and ongoing residuals. Local reporting has been the reason for my subscription. I am not shocked by the sale, but it is disappointing.
It certainly could be worse (GateHouse/Gannett). But has any good newspaper ever gotten better after being sold to a national chain?
As a longtime Gazette subscriber, I'm very concerned.
So who is AdamsMedia a division of Simon and Schuster?
No.
A sad day, Lyle. Very sad.
Cautiously optimistic after doing some background reading on the new owner. Good news is they don’t appear to be vultures like private equity or big chains like Gannett/Lee. But some concern about scarce resources and cash.