A SECOND LIFE
An Indiana newspaper is revived after shutting its doors
An Indiana newspaper is revived after shutting its doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
After ceasing publication on April 10, the Daily Clintonian was purchased by Don L. Hurd, president of Hoosier Media Group, Hometown Media and Heartland Media Group, surprising the residents of Clinton, Ind. The purchase is the latest addition to Hurd’s collection of 11 newspapers—all located in Indiana.
The Clintonian was established in 1912 and purchased by the Carey family in 1936.
Hurd took the reins of the Clintonian on May 1, a month after the closure. The acquisition included the newspaper only, and terms of the sale were not disclosed.
One of the first steps Hurd took toward the Clintonian’s revival was to create the newspaper’s first Facebook page. According to Hurd, in just a few days, the page received more than 1,000 followers. When E&P spoke to Hurd, he had just published the Clintonian’s first issue under his watch. That issue published on May 16 and will continue to publish every Saturday and Wednesday.
Hurd made changes to include more local news and faces as well as full color photos. He also plans to update the print size from its 35inch size to something narrower. In addition, Hurd plans to publish niche publications, host events and launch a website for the newspaper.
Hurd did rehire a couple former staffers including an editor and graphic designer. In addition, an employee from one of his other newspapers was brought in to handle marketing and advertising.
Hurd said there has been a lot of positive feedback and excitement about the paper making a comeback.
“It really is exciting to be able to purchase a newspaper, to come in and revive it and give it a new life,” he said. “Some people might call me crazy for buying a newspaper during the pandemic situation, but the world doesn’t stop. Things still go on and people still want a newspaper.”