MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota's best-known alternative news and entertainment publication is now under the umbrella of the state's largest daily newspaper.
The Star Tribune announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement to purchase City Pages from its current owner, Denver-based Voice Media Group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are excited to welcome City Pages to the Star Tribune Media Company and add another successful media property to our organization," said Mike Klingensmith, publisher and CEO in a written statement. "And we're happy to preserve this unique voice for alternative news and entertainment. We have tremendous respect for the loyal, passionate audience and market position that the talented City Pages staff has built through hard work over many years.We think the publication and its digital properties can capitalize on being part of a larger, local media company to create an even stronger City Pages."
As part of the City Pages acquisition the Star Tribune will cease production of its long-running arts and entertainment weekly Vita.mn, but the paper says it may retain some of its most popular features and fold the into City Pages. City Pages will retain its own independent newsroom and sales staff.
The Star Tribune confirmed two people were laid off in the acquisition of City Pages.
"We are very happy to have Star Tribune Media Company as our new owners,which we believe will allow us to expand our efforts in both print and digital channels," said Mary Erickson, publisher of City Pages. "We think the combination creates compelling and complementary benefits to readers and advertisers—and it will be great to have local ownership once again."
