Investor building newspaper chain eyes Lee Enterprises, DallasNews

Florida billionaire David Hoffmann aims to create the second-largest newspaper group in America

Posted Monday, November 18, 2024 11:45 am

Colin Kellaher | The Wall Street Journal

A Florida billionaire with a fondness for local news is looking to build a newspaper giant by potentially scooping up publishers Lee Enterprises and DallasNews.

David Hoffmann, who last month disclosed a 5.2% stake in Lee Enterprises, has raised that interest to 8.7%, making him the Davenport, Iowa, company’s second-largest shareholder.

Hoffmann also disclosed a new 5% stake in DallasNews, making him one of the Dallas Morning News publisher’s biggest investors.

In an interview Friday, Hoffmann said he aims to create the second-largest newspaper group in America behind Gannett, and that a combination of his Hoffmann Media Group, Lee Enterprises and DallasNews would do just that.

Click here to read more.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Scroll the Latest Job Opportunities From The Media Job Board

E&P Exclusive Reporting

Next-generation journalists learn how to turn facts into compelling narratives that engage audiences

In an era of rapidly evolving technology, shrinking attention spans and ever-changing news platforms, one fundamental journalism skill remains indispensable: compelling storytelling. But how are journalism schools teaching the next generation of reporters to transform facts into narratives that inform, engage and resonate with audiences? For E&P’s October “J-School Desk” feature, Alyssa Choiniere spoke with professors at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Columbia University and CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism about the enduring principles of great storytelling, the value of experimentation, and why strong reporting and writing remain essential — no matter the platform.

Reflections on newsroom innovation — and why human ingenuity and editorial judgment still triumph

From paste-ups to artificial intelligence (AI), newsroom technology has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past four decades. But amid the constant innovation, one thing remains indispensable: human ingenuity and editorial judgment. In this month’s “Shoptalk” op-ed, Jeff Kleinman, consumer team editor at the Miami Herald, reflects on his evolution from a young reporter armed with a notebook and pen to a digital newsroom leader — sharing colorful memories, lessons learned and a reminder that technology can never replace the experience and intuition journalists bring to their work.

Latest Legacy Magazine

#NewsPeople on the move

TaRhonda Thomas returns to Louisiana as WWL evening anchor

WWL in New Orleans has hired TaRhonda Thomas as an evening anchor beginning in early January 2027, NewscastStudio reports.

Jonah Newman joins The Marshall Project to lead local investigations

The Marshall Project has named Jonah Newman senior editor for local investigations and engagement, supporting its reporting in Cleveland, St. Louis and Jackson, Mississippi

See more NewsPeople

Latest E&P Partner News

The Villages Media Group enhances production efficiency with ProImage’s NewsWayX

The Villages Media Group has chosen ProImage’s NewsWayX to streamline its production workflow and address long-standing challenges. The installation of NewsWayX, a cloud-based workflow management solution, has enabled the company to achieve greater flexibility, efficiency and accuracy in the printing processes.

D-R Media invests in operational growth with SCS Community Advertising System

D-R Media and Investments of Venice, Florida, has selected SCS’s Community Advertising System to update and enhance its advertising and production workflows. By implementing CAS, D-R Media will benefit from a unified, organization-wide solution that supports display, classified and digital advertising operations, as well as invoicing, accounts receivable and customer account management.

Helping advertisers get found in AI search: Local media’s next revenue opportunity

As AI changes how consumers find and choose local businesses, publishers have an opportunity to help advertisers remain visible. Duda provides the technology and insights publishers need to improve discoverability, measure business results and deliver those services at scale. The result can be stronger advertiser relationships and new recurring revenue.

Investor building newspaper chain eyes Lee Enterprises, DallasNews

Florida billionaire David Hoffmann aims to create the second-largest newspaper group in America

Comments

Toledo Blade files notice of Dec. 31 closure, putting 116 jobs at risk

6 citizens sue Trump, saying media ban deprives them of news as audience stakeholders

Transatlantic Coalition: European and Canadian news and magazine publishers unite to defend free and pluralistic media

Thousands protest in Prague as government advances public media funding overhaul

Next-generation journalists learn how to turn facts into compelling narratives that engage audiences

Reflections on newsroom innovation — and why human ingenuity and editorial judgment still triumph

Being local — community, context and connections — is a superpower

News media grapples with declining obits revenue