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December 19, 2024

Hearst eyes purchase of another CT news organization

Archives Hearst CT Media Group offices
By Michael Puffer

The state’s largest news media organization, Hearst Connecticut Media Group, is in talks to buy the Republican-American newspaper, a Waterbury-based daily newspaper that traces its roots back to 1844.

The deal, which includes the Citizens News, could be finalized as early as January, according to both news organizations. 

"We are very proud of how we, as a team, have covered the news and supported these communities throughout the years," William B. Pape, publisher of the Republican-American wrote in a communication to employees Thursday evening. "As the years have gone by, it has been more difficult as an independent newspaper to maintain our standards of journalism and community engagement." 

Pape told staff the newspaper owners have reached a "preliminary agreement" for a sale, which is expected to close in early 2025. 

"Hearst has an outstanding reputation for journalism dating back to 1887 and has a solid base in CT," Pape wrote. "We are extremely confident they will continue the excellent coverage with journalistic integrity going forward." 

Pape told staff that details on severance packages and COBRA medical coverage would be forthcoming, and that Hearst staff would speak with them about opportunities under the new management.

News of the talks comes at a time the Pape family, owners of the Republican-American, is working with city officials and a partner to advance a redevelopment of the newspaper’s iconic, 70,000-square-foot headquarters in the heart of downtown Waterbury.

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Republican-American newspaper HQ in Waterbury.

The 1909-vintage former train station is known for its 245-foot tall clock tower, which is modeled after a tower in Siena, Italy. Tentative redevelopment plans call for a mix of 38 apartments, retail and office space. 

The Republican-American covers news and community features across the greater Waterbury and Litchfield County areas, and maintains active coverage of state government. It won a Pulitzer Prize in 1940 for its coverage of fraud in city government.

Hearst CT, headquartered in Norwalk, has been steadily growing and, last year, acquired two daily newspapers -- the Journal Inquirer in Manchester and Meriden-based Record-Journal.

Hearst Connecticut said it employs about 130 journalists across its newsrooms. It owns nine daily newspapers, 21 weekly newspapers, Connecticut Magazine and multiple websites.

Its titles include Connecticut Post in Bridgeport, News-Times in Danbury, New Haven Register and The Advocate in Stamford.

As it grows, Hearst Connecticut Media Group has faced some challenges. Staffers at the company in August announced they were working to form a union for better pay and working conditions. 

The company also offered buyouts this fall. 

 

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