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Detroit Newspapers Could See Shakeup

News, Free Press May Undergo Ownership Changes

POSTED: Wednesday, August 3, 2005

A major shakeup in Detroit newspaper journalism could happen by Wednesday.

Newspaper industry journal Editor and Publisher is reporting changes at the Detroit Free Press and the Detroit News, which could include who owns each newspaper.

Currently, the Detroit Free Press is owned by Knight-Ridder Newspapers, while Gannett Co., Inc., owns the News. Newspaper giant USA Today is also owned by Gannett.

While neither company would comment to E&P about the ownership rumors, likely developments include the Free Press coming under the ownership of Gannett, while Gannett would then be taken over by MediaNews Group., owners of the Denver Post and the Oakland Tribune.

The two papers have worked under a joint operating agreement, or JOA, since 1989.

While rumors are swirling that the papers may combine into one paper, analysts believe that "brand loyalty" will keep them separate.

One scenario may have the Detroit Free Press continue as a broadsheet newspaper, while the Detroit News could adopt a tabloid format, much like the New York Post or New York Daily News.

"The readers aren't going to notice much of a difference -- it will be the same newspaper. If they change the format to a tabloid or something, that will make a difference," said former publisher Neal Shine.

Michelle Solomon is a former Detroit Free Press assistant features editor. She is now managing editor of ClickOnDetroit.com.

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