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Austin American-Statesman Sold to Hearst Corporation

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Austin American-Statesman Newsroom

News Summary

The Austin American-Statesman, a landmark in Texas journalism for over 154 years, has been sold from Gannett Co., Inc. to Hearst. This acquisition expands Hearst’s presence in Texas, as they already own several newspapers in the state. The transfer, anticipated to close by April 2025, is a strategic move to enhance local journalism amid ongoing challenges within the industry. Hearst also plans to invest in the publication’s community platforms to improve local news coverage.

Exciting Times in Austin: Historic Newspaper Changes Hands

Austin is buzzing with excitement as it welcomes a major transformation in its media landscape! The Austin American-Statesman, a beloved institution in Texas journalism for more than 154 years, is changing ownership. This historic newspaper will be shifting from Gannett Co., Inc. to Hearst, a company well-known for its strong presence in the media world. The deal is anticipated to wrap up by April 2025, marking a new chapter for both the paper and the community.

A Texas Expansion for Hearst

This acquisition isn’t just another business deal; it’s a strategic move for Hearst as they strengthen their footing in Texas. The company proudly owns several other newspapers in the state, including the San Antonio Express-News and the Houston Chronicle. With the Austin American-Statesman joining the ranks, Hearst expands its portfolio, now operating an impressive total of 25 daily and 52 weekly newspapers nationwide.

While the specific details of the transaction are still being kept under wraps, this acquisition signifies Hearst’s dedication to supporting local journalism. This announcement comes on the heels of the launch of Austin Daily last year, created to showcase the vibrant culture and political scene that Austin is renowned for.

A Snapshot of History

The Austin American-Statesman has a rich history that dates back to 1871 when it first emerged as the Democratic Statesman. Over the decades, the paper underwent various changes, merging with the Austin Tribune and officially adopting its current name. It’s noteworthy that the newspaper has experienced several ownership transitions, with the most recent one happening in 2018 when it was sold for $47.5 million. This was followed by its acquisition by Gannett in 2019 through a merger with GateHouse Media.

Current Challenges in the Industry

In recent times, the Statesman has encountered some headwinds. In 2023, the newspaper reported a combined print and digital circulation of 70,733, a drop from 79,545 in the previous year. Furthermore, the newsroom staff has seen a steep decrease, going from about 200 employees in 2013 down to a mere 41 by 2023. This decline mirrors a larger trend within the newspaper industry, struggling with shrinking advertising revenues and declining readership.

However, despite these challenges, the Austin American-Statesman continues to be a vital voice in the community. In a significant move, the newsroom staff unionized in 2021, and after three years of tough negotiations, they achieved a well-deserved pay increase, highlighting the growing acknowledgment of quality journalism’s importance in today’s world.

Looking Ahead

With the new ownership, Hearst’s acquisition of the Austin American-Statesman includes additional community publications and popular digital platforms like Austin360 and Hookem.com. This acquisition signifies a strategic intent to enhance Hearst’s local news offerings, even as some industry experts express concerns about the potential effects of resource-sharing on localized coverage.

A Community Staple

Despite all the changes in the media landscape, the Austin American-Statesman remains a cornerstone of Austin’s information network. It competes fiercely with local television stations, the NPR member station KUT, and several other online and print publications, all contributing to a rich mosaic of news coverage available to residents.

As Gannett pivots focus toward managing its debts—looking to cut at least $110 million by the end of 2024—this transfer of ownership may ultimately breathe new life into the Austin American-Statesman and allow it to fulfill its mission of delivering high-quality journalism. With eyes on the future, the community is eager to see how this latest chapter in the newspaper’s long and storied history unfolds.

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