[vc_section bg_class=”bg-dark”][vc_row][vc_column][pergo_hero_freelancer1 title=”DO YOU WANT TO OWN A NEWSPAPER?” lead_text=”Before you dismiss the idea, consider this: profitable newspapers can be had all across the country. That’s right. They’re {PROFITABLE}. And they’re available. Right now.” title_font_container=”tag:h3|size:lg|text_color:Default|text_underline:none|extra_class:txt-300|font_weight:800|”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_row row_bg_class=”bg-blue” el_id=”whatweredoing”][vc_column][pergo_inner_content bg=”bg-dark white-color” image=”https://www.newstart.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screen-Shot-2019-09-08-at-4.48.36-PM.png” url=”https://vimeo.com/358294103″ subtitle=”” title=”What we’re doing” lead_text=”NewStart is a local news ownership initiative, created by West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media in collaboration with the West Virginia Press Association, that has a mission to recruit, train and support the next generation of community newspaper owners and publishers across the country.” params=”%5B%7B%22icon%22%3A%22fa%20fa-angle-double-right%22%2C%22button_text%22%3A%22Get%20Started%20Now%22%2C%22button_url%22%3A%22%23buyingselling%22%2C%22button_target%22%3A%22_self%22%7D%5D”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_bg_class=”bg-dark”][vc_column][pergo_inner_content bg=”bg-dark white-color” position=”yes” image=”https://www.newstart.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/bb7e01f8-e102-4c3a-bcf4-a811522a7983.jpg” enable_video=”” subtitle=”” title=”What’s the catch?” lead_text=”There really isn’t a catch, as long as you’re open to owning a weekly or daily paper in a small town, and practicing invaluable community journalism that contributes to a healthy democracy.” params=”%5B%7B%22icon%22%3A%22fa%20fa-angle-double-right%22%2C%22button_text%22%3A%22Get%20Started%20Now%22%2C%22button_url%22%3A%22%23buyingselling%22%2C%22button_target%22%3A%22_self%22%7D%5D”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_section padding_class=”wide-40″ el_id=”about”][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]More than 90 percent of newspapers in the U.S. are “small market,” with a circulation of 50,000 or less. These newspapers are often family-owned and remain trusted sources of news and information in the communities they serve.

They also remain economically viable because of the continued demand for their exclusive hyper-local coverage and their commitment to improving their local communities.

However, many of these media outlets have reached a crossroads. The individuals and families who nurtured these publications for decades are looking for new owners who will continue to publish news that holds the powerful accountable and maintain a strong community presence.

Enter NewStart.

NewStart is a local news ownership initiative, created by West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media in collaboration with the West Virginia Press Association, that has a mission to recruit, train and support the next generation of community newspaper owners and publishers across the country.

Who are these new owners? They could be current college students who have an entrepreneurial flair. They could be current journalists who want to run their own publication. They could be journalists who have been caught up in the downsizing of newsrooms that has occurred across the country and want to start anew.  Or they could be entrepreneurs with no journalism background who know how important journalism is for a healthy democracy and a strong community.

This one-of-a-kind fellowship program provides a comprehensive ownership transition plan that matches potential buyers with publications that want to sell, and offers extensive training for the new owners on how to manage, operate and grow their media properties. NewStart also is establishing a collaborative community of media entrepreneurs, who can share best practices and work together to create a sustainable model for local journalism.

The Media Solutions and Innovation program at WVU is open to more than just selected fellows. Anyone who has an interest in owning their own media outlet is encouraged to apply. The program is also available for current media outlets that would like to train rising stars in their organizations for future leadership positions. More information on enrollment can be found on the Reed College of Media website.

This community media accelerator is designed to strengthen local and regional news ecosystems to ensure community information needs are being met, while helping independent news media owners achieve long-term sustainability through digital transformation and adoption of new business models. This program will also help to enhance trust in the news media by building on the long-established relationship between local residents and their hometown newspaper.

In coordination with the West Virginia Press Association, the program offers insight into current small market revenue growth and long-term profitability. Participants will get updates on market analysis, staffing, website development, online presence, digital and print subscriptions, online and print advertising sales, events, sponsorships and partnerships.

For more information on the program, check out our FAQ, and then head to our Buying and Selling sections or reach out to program director Jim Iovino for more information.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”https://www.newstart.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/call-to-action.jpg” padding_class=”wide-100″ bg_class=”bg-dark” parallax_image_repeat=”” parallax_image_position=”50% 0″ parallax_image_attachment=”inherit” el_id=”buyingselling”][vc_row][vc_column][pergo_call_to_action style=”style3″ title=”Looking to {BUY} or {SELL}?” lead_text=”If you would like to discuss how NewStart could help you become a newspaper owner or seller, please email Jim Iovino, Ogden Newspapers Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Innovation, at [email protected] or fill out the form by clicking on the Buy or Sell links and he will get back to you with more details.” params=”%5B%7B%22icon%22%3A%22fa%20fa-angle-double-right%22%2C%22button_text%22%3A%22Buy%22%2C%22button_url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSdq2Ed1lC9Yas7zXDkjygGjRjB4-o6CoOABypblNwhqHMOK2Q%2Fviewform%22%2C%22button_target%22%3A%22_self%22%2C%22button_size%22%3A%22btn-lg%22%7D%2C%7B%22icon%22%3A%22fa%20fa-angle-double-right%22%2C%22button_text%22%3A%22Sell%22%2C%22button_url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLScEUjJaXSl6ObvCOziRxnRQdKk1BK-KsyX7nCxNKtV-nFVPiA%2Fviewform%22%2C%22button_target%22%3A%22_self%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space][pergo_call_to_action style=”style3″ title=”Apply for the NewStart program” lead_text=”If you would like to join the NewStart fellowship program, the first step is to fill out the application online.” params=”%5B%7B%22icon%22%3A%22fa%20fa-angle-double-right%22%2C%22button_text%22%3A%22Apply%20Today%22%2C%22button_url%22%3A%22http%3A%2F%2Fnewstart.media%2Fapplication%2F%22%2C%22button_target%22%3A%22_self%22%2C%22button_size%22%3A%22btn-lg%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space][pergo_call_to_action style=”style3″ title=”Join the {NewStart Alliance}” lead_text=”Sign Up for our newsletter” params=”%5B%7B%22icon%22%3A%22fa%20fa-angle-double-right%22%2C%22button_text%22%3A%22Subscribe%22%2C%22button_url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fwvu.us4.list-manage.com%2Fsubscribe%2Fpost%3Fu%3D82b2c04164eeb48f05392db11%26id%3Df446529d0e%22%2C%22button_target%22%3A%22_self%22%2C%22button_size%22%3A%22btn-lg%22%7D%5D”][vc_empty_space][pergo_call_to_action style=”style3″ title=”Concerned about a publication in your area?” lead_text=”Fill us in on the details” params=”%5B%7B%22icon%22%3A%22fa%20fa-angle-double-right%22%2C%22button_text%22%3A%22Share%20a%20tip%22%2C%22button_url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSc9JIG63jBuLf1Q0KZU3NXpdrNhO05kPJJz4B7J1KSUl8CPdw%2Fviewform%22%2C%22button_target%22%3A%22_self%22%2C%22button_size%22%3A%22btn-lg%22%7D%5D”][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][pergo_testimonials style=”3column” 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