Non-profit Trust seeks $1 million to preserve local newspapers in Hancock County
What happened
The Acadia Newspaper Trust, an Ellsworth non-profit, has begun a mission to raise $1 million by next summer to purchase three local publications: the Ellsworth American, the Bangor Historian, and The Mount Desert Islander. The newspapers are currently owned by Reade Brower. Chris Crockett, publisher of the Ellsworth American, stated that transitioning to non-profit status would help retain local ownership.
From wabi.tv
Why it matters
The trust aims to proactively secure the newspapers' future to prevent community difficulties that often arise when local papers close. Crockett noted that studies show tax mill rates can increase and voter participation can decline when newspapers leave a community.
From wabi.tv
Who's involved
- Chris CrockettPublisher of the Ellsworth American and proponent of the non-profit ownership change
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- EllsworthSpeculative
The shift in local media ownership in Ellsworth might change the local information economy.