CNHI Looking to Sell Indiana Newspapers
Alabama-based CNHI LLC is looking to unload its newspaper properties, including 13 in Indiana. The move is the result of the company’s parent, Raycom Media Inc., announcing a $3.6 billion merger with Atlanta-based Gray Television Inc. (NYSE: GTN).
CNHI owns more than 100 newspapers in 22 states. The company has retained New Mexico-based newspaper brokerage firm Dirks, Van Essen, Murray and April to handle the sale of the newspapers.
Chief Executive Officer Donna Barrett says the company is just in the exploration process for now and cannot say for sure whether any particular transaction will take place.
“We’re excited to open the next chapter in our commitment to top-flight community journalism,” said Barrett. “We are looking for a transaction or transactions that will carry on CNHI’s rich tradition of public service through award-winning journalism. What we can say is that we will consider various options as we work to find a partner or partners that share our dedication to community newspapers and the vital journalism they produce to serve local audiences."
The Indiana newspapers owned by CNHI include:
- The Herald Bulletin, Anderson
- Goshen News, Goshen
- Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg
- The News and Tribune, Jeffersonville
- Kokomo Tribune, Kokomo
- The Lebanon Reporter, Lebanon
- The Pharos-Tribune, Logansport
- The Tribune Star, Terre Haute
- Washington Times Herald, Washington
- Rushville Republican, Rushville
- Hendricks County Flyer, Avon
- Batesville Herald-Tribune, Batesville
- The Zionsville Times Sentinel, Zionsville
Raycom acquired CNHI nine months ago. The company’s merger with Gray Television is expected to close in the fourth quarter.