Back to Search
DE

Denver Post

media
PE-OWNED

Major daily newspaper serving Colorado.

PE-OWNED

Acquired by Alden Global Capital2018-04-01

View PE Firm Profile

What Made It Great

Colorado's newspaper of record with award-winning journalism.

What PE Will Likely Do

Significant newsroom layoffs, resulting in a dramatic reduction in original local news coverage and investigative journalism

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: Alden Global Capital's well-documented history of cost-cutting and workforce reduction at the media companies it acquires

Consolidation of news content across Alden Global Capital's other media properties, leading to less unique, locally-focused reporting

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The industry playbook showing common private equity tactics in the media sector, including newsroom layoffs, content consolidation, paywall implementation, print reduction, and cuts to investigative journalism

Implementation of a strict paywall, making it more difficult for Colorado residents to access news and information about their communities

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The Denver Post's status as a major daily newspaper serving Colorado, which makes it a likely target for Alden's cost-cutting approach

Reduction in the frequency and quality of the print edition of the Denver Post, potentially leading to the elimination of the print product entirely

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The Denver Post's status as a major daily newspaper serving Colorado, which makes it a likely target for Alden's cost-cutting approach

Cutbacks to specialized, in-depth reporting teams like the Denver Post's award-winning investigative unit

HIGH LIKELIHOODBased on: The Denver Post's status as a major daily newspaper serving Colorado, which makes it a likely target for Alden's cost-cutting approach

Expected Timeline

0-6 monthsCompleted

0 to 6 months months

Acquisition announced, with promises of 'investment' in the Denver Post. Initial round of newsroom layoffs and 'restructuring' announced.

6-12 monthsYOU ARE HERE

6 to 12 months months

Print schedule reduced, leading to fewer days of physical newspaper delivery. More content cuts, with increased reliance on shared material from Alden's other media properties.

12-24 months

12 to 24 months months

Paywall implementation, making it more difficult for Colorado residents to access local news. Quality of reporting and coverage noticeably declining, leading to increasing reader complaints.

Similar Cases

Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition

What You Can Do

Actions

  • Support local journalism by subscribing to the Denver Post, even as the paywall is implemented

  • Advocate for the preservation of the Denver Post's reporting and investigative capabilities by contacting elected officials and community leaders

  • Explore alternative local news sources to supplement the declining coverage from the Denver Post

Alternatives

Research independent alternativesSAFE

Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses

Share this company's PE status

"Denver Post is now PE-owned. Here's what that means for you."