NORFOLK — After 153 years of reporting the news in Norfolk and Hampton Roads, The Virginian-Pilot will now do so under the ownership of the same company that owns the Virginia Gazette in Williamsburg and the Daily Press in Newport News.
Chicago-based Tronc Inc. has purchased Virginian-Pilot Media Cos. LLC, which includes the Virginian-Pilot newspaper, pilotonline.com and Pilot Targeted Media, from Landmark Media Enterprises LLC for $34 million, according to a Tronc news release.
The sale — effective immediately, but pending all customary approvals − includes not only the newspaper but also the Pilot’s downtown Norfolk headquarters, printing and distribution facilities in Virginia Beach, and satellite offices in Norfolk and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Calls to the Virginian-Pilot on Tuesday were not immediately returned.
In addition to the Virginia Gazette and the Daily Press, Tronc also owns the Chicago Tribune, the New York Daily News, and the Baltimore Sun, among other newspapers.
“From its founding in 1865, The Virginian-Pilot has a long history of commitment to journalism. We are thrilled to welcome The Virginian-Pilot to the tronc portfolio,” said Justin Dearborn, Tronc chairman and CEO, in the release.
This story was published in partnership with our sister publication, SouthsideDaily.
