The Florida Times-Union
August 9, 2017
As part of a strategic restructuring to focus its business on lifestyle publications, property development and new business, Morris Communications Co. announced Wednesday that it has signed an agreement to sell the assets of Morris Publishing Group, including The Florida Times-Union, to GateHouse Media.
The sale includes 10 other daily newspapers, numerous non-daily publications and associated websites and digital assets. The transaction is expected to close on Oct. 2.“We all will miss the Morris family and its steady oversight of our business for more than three decades, and its commitment to quality journalism,” said Mark Nusbaum, president of The Times-Union.
“At the same time, we look forward to working with our new ownership at GateHouse, and assure our readers we will continue to provide thorough and comprehensive coverage of our community going forward.”
Under terms of the sale, Nusbaum will continue in his role as publisher of The Times-Union. Billy Morris will continue as publisher of The Augusta Chronicle and will oversee editorial-page policy for the three Morris newspapers in Georgia. The Morris family will retain ownership of The Florida Times-Union building and property consisting of 18 acres of waterfront property in downtown Jacksonville along the St. Johns River. The family is currently exploring options for development of the site for mixed use, including offices, a hotel or multifamily housing. [READ MORE]