National Trust for Local News sells 21 Colorado publications

The National Trust for Local News reported Tuesday that it has sold 21 of its Colorado publications to Times Media Group, a community news publisher based in Tempe, Ariz.

The impacted publications cover communities along the Front Range and include the Arvada Press, Englewood Herald and Jeffco Transcript.

The deal is expected to close on Wednesday.

The trust will retain ownership of seven publications, including the Brighton Standard-Blade, Fort Lupton Press, Canyon Courier, Clear Creek Courant, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Westminster Window and Golden Transcript. These titles will become part of the Colorado Trust for Local News, a subsidiary of the National Trust.

Times Media Group owns and operates more than 60 publications in Arizona and California.

“Through this strategic partnership with Times Media Group, we can reduce our footprint in greater Denver without reducing local journalism there, all while positioning ourselves to grow in the parts of Colorado where the need for our unique model is greatest,” Will Nelligan, chief growth officer at the National Trust for Local News, said in a statement reported by Colorado Community Media, the nonprofit affiliate of the trust.

“While it wasn’t an easy decision, we think it’s a positive outcome from all perspectives that sets the stage for a more resilient, equitable, and vibrant media ecosystem in the state,” Nelligan said.

The National Trust for Local News started in Colorado in 2021 with the acquisition of Colorado Community Media, according to its website.

The trust will also continue to operate the Trust Press, a commercial printing facility launched by the National Trust late last year.