2 Alaska newspapers sold to foundation

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner is being sold. The newspaper reports that a non-profit foundation created by the late wife of the paper’s founder Charles W. Snedden is purchasing the News-Miner.

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The front of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner’s headquarters, also known as the Aurora Building, in May 2009. (Creative Commons photo by James Brooks)
The front of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner’s headquarters, also known as the Aurora Building, in May 2009. (Creative Commons photo by James Brooks)

The paper’s current owner William Dean Singleton made the announcement yesterday. Singleton and a partner have owned the paper since purchasing it from Snedden heirs in 1992.

Snedden Foundation trustee Virginia Farmier says the deal, which includes the Kodiak Daily Mirror as well as the News-Miner, means the papers will be non-profit.

That means they’ll no longer be able to endorse candidates for public office, and must demonstrate greater editorial balance. Farmier says no other major changes are planned as a result of the sale which is expected to close early next year. No price was disclosed.

Dan Bross is a reporter at KUAC in Fairbanks.

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