Tag

Baltimore Sun

All articles tagged with #baltimore sun

media2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun's Future Under New Ownership: A Shift Away from Political Endorsements?"

The Baltimore Sun's new co-owner, Armstrong Williams, announced that the paper will no longer endorse political candidates, aiming for a more balanced editorial page with competing voices. This decision aligns with other publications previously owned by Alden Global Capital. Williams and co-owner David D. Smith purchased The Sun and surrounding publications, expressing a commitment to fair and objective coverage while facing scrutiny for their conservative political ties.

media2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun's Controversial New Owner Sparks Newsroom Tension"

The Baltimore Sun, Maryland's largest newspaper, has been purchased by David D. Smith, the executive chairman of the conservative Sinclair Broadcast Group, raising concerns among staff and observers about potential political influence on the publication. The acquisition marks the return of the 186-year-old newspaper to local ownership, but many fear that Smith's political interests may impact the paper's editorial independence, given Sinclair's history of aligning with former President Donald Trump and requiring stations to film promos echoing his attacks on the news media.

business2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun Staff Navigate Turbulent Transition Under New Right-Wing Owner"

The Baltimore Sun's staff clashed with new owner David D. Smith, a television executive and lifelong resident of the Baltimore area, during a tense meeting where Smith expressed negative opinions about the newspaper and its coverage. Smith, the executive chairman of the Sinclair Broadcast Group, has faced concerns about his intentions for the 186-year-old newspaper, especially given Sinclair's marked conservative bent in recent years. The staff expressed concerns about Smith's lack of understanding of print media standards and journalism ethics, as well as his focus on clicks over journalistic value. Smith's plans for the Sun remain unclear, but his statements about getting out of the paper business and his family foundation's contributions to conservative and right-wing advocacy groups have raised further questions about the newspaper's future editorial direction.

business2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun's Controversial Shift: Conservative TV Mogul Takes Ownership"

David Smith, the conservative TV mogul and executive chairman of Sinclair television stations, has purchased the Baltimore Sun and several community newspapers from Alden Global Capital, returning the paper to local ownership for the first time in nearly four decades. Smith's influence as the leader of a network of over 190 television news stations has been controversial, with accusations of leaning too far to the political right and running afoul of federal regulators. His purchase raises concerns about media ownership and influence in Baltimore and beyond.

media-ownership2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun's New Owner Sparks Controversy with Staff and Readers"

New Baltimore Sun owner David Smith insulted staff during a meeting, encouraged them to mimic a TV station owned by his broadcasting company, and expressed a focus on increasing profits. Smith, the executive chairman of Sinclair Inc., which operates over 200 television stations nationwide, has a history of criticizing print media and promoting specific content and editorials. The tense meeting left staff feeling uncertain about their job security and the future direction of the paper under Smith's ownership.

business-media2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun Sold to Local Business Leader Amid Political and Ownership Concerns"

David D. Smith, executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcasting, has purchased the Baltimore Sun Media, raising concerns due to his conservative background and previous criticisms of print media. Smith aims to make the newsroom more profitable but has faced skepticism from some employees and former journalists. While some celebrate the sale, others worry about potential partisan influence on the 187-year-old publication, which has a history of credible reporting and 16 Pulitzer Prizes. The sale comes after the investment firm Alden Global Capital's cost-cutting ownership and amid competition from the digital-only news organization, The Baltimore Banner.

business-media2 years ago

Sinclair Chairman David D. Smith Acquires Baltimore Sun

The Baltimore Sun, Maryland's largest newspaper, has been sold to David D. Smith, the executive chairman of Sinclair TV stations, in a private deal with Alden Global Capital. Smith, a Baltimore native, aims to support his hometown newspaper and believes in its potential profitability and public service. The sale marks the first time in nearly four decades that the Sun will have a local owner. The newspaper has faced challenges from declining circulation and advertising revenue, as well as competition from The Baltimore Banner. Smith's acquisition reflects a trend of wealthy investors seeking to revive news organizations, and Baltimore Sun Media has earned 16 Pulitzer Prizes, with The Capital Gazette receiving a special Pulitzer citation for its coverage of a 2018 shooting attack.

media2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun Sold to Sinclair TV Chairman: A New Era for the Newspaper Industry"

The Baltimore Sun has been sold to David Smith, the chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, along with conservative commentator Armstrong Williams. This sale has sparked concern, especially from David Simon, creator of The Wire, who worked at the Sun and urged people to support the Baltimore nonprofit news organization, The Baltimore Banner. Sinclair has faced scrutiny for its political commentary segments, but Smith believes there could be synergies between the newspaper and Sinclair, emphasizing the responsibility to serve the public interest.

business2 years ago

Sinclair's David D. Smith Acquires Baltimore Sun and Capital Gazette

The Baltimore Sun, Maryland's largest daily newspaper, has been acquired by David D. Smith, the executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, returning the paper to local ownership for the first time in decades. The purchase comes after the paper was previously owned by Alden Global Capital, known for cost-cutting and staff reductions at local newspapers. Smith expressed his belief in serving the public interest through local news and aims for the paper to be profitable while preserving its journalistic values. The sale surprised union representatives and staff, and comes after a failed attempt to return the paper to local ownership in 2021. Smith's acquisition has raised concerns due to his conservative ties and criticism of mainstream media.

business-media2 years ago

"Baltimore Sun Returns to Local Ownership: Sinclair's David Smith Acquires Media"

Local businessman David Smith has purchased The Baltimore Sun Media Group, including The Sun and its affiliated newspapers, from Alden Global Capital, marking the first time the institution has been under local ownership since 1986. Smith, the executive chairman of Sinclair Inc., plans to invest in the paper, increase coverage of local communities, and support investigative work. The purchase amount remains undisclosed, and Smith will be joined in the venture by conservative political commentator Armstrong Williams. The move has raised questions about the new owners' motivations and their potential impact on the newspaper's editorial independence.

business2 years ago

Maryland Business Leader Acquires Baltimore Sun Media

David D. Smith, executive chairman of Sinclair Inc., has acquired The Baltimore Sun and its affiliated publications from investment firm Alden Global Capital, marking the first time in nearly four decades that the newspaper will be in the hands of a local owner. Smith aims to revitalize the struggling newspaper industry by focusing on local news, investigations, and community engagement, while integrating technology and boosting subscriptions and advertising. The acquisition, made independently of Sinclair, is part of Smith's effort to serve the public interest and hold those in power accountable, with plans to retain the newspaper's service agreements and eventually operate it as a stand-alone business.