Baltimore Sun
Major daily newspaper serving Maryland.
PE-OWNED
Acquired by Alden Global Capital2021-05-01
What Made It Great
Maryland's largest and most comprehensive news source.
What PE Will Likely Do
Significant newsroom layoffs, likely reducing the Baltimore Sun's reporting staff by over 50%
Consolidation of news content across Alden's other local media properties, leading to less original reporting and more syndicated or shared articles
Implementation of a strict paywall, significantly reducing free public access to Baltimore Sun content
Reduction in print publication frequency, potentially moving to a 3-4 day per week print schedule or eliminating the print edition entirely
Scaling back of investigative journalism teams and in-depth reporting, focusing more on lower-cost, high-volume local news coverage
Expected Timeline
“0 to 6 months months”
Acquisition announced, initial promises of 'investment' in the Baltimore Sun, followed by first round of layoffs and restructuring
“6 to 12 months months”
Print publication reduced, more content cuts and consolidation across Alden's media properties
“12 to 24 months months”
Obvious decline in content quality and breadth of coverage, leading to reader complaints and erosion of the Baltimore Sun's market presence
Similar Cases
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
What You Can Do
Actions
Subscribe directly to the Baltimore Sun to support quality local journalism and resist the effects of Alden's cost-cutting
Advocate for the Baltimore Sun to remain an independent, locally-owned newspaper by contacting local political representatives and community organizations
Spread awareness of Alden Global Capital's negative impact on local media and encourage others to support the Baltimore Sun and other independent local news sources
Alternatives
Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses