Approximately 30 people will be out of work after Transcontinental Inc. announced it is selling its assets in Saskatchewan. Star News Publishing is buying 13 local newspapers from the Quebec-based company, including the Prince Albert Daily Herald, the Moose Jaw Times Herald and the Southwest Booster.
Following a transition period, a printing plant located at 838 56st Street in Saskatoon will be closed, eliminating roughly 30 full-time positions.
Transcontinental officials said current market conditions and a focus on eastern Canada led to their decision to sell their Saskatchewan assets.
“From a geographic perspective, the reality of operating a small number of newspapers in Western Canada was simply not efficient for TC Media,” said Julia Kamula, senior vice-president for TC Media Local Solutions.
“The new owner’s portfolio of assets is much more aligned with these publications, better enabling their growth and continued evolution.”
READ MORE: Guelph Mercury, one of Canada’s oldest newspapers, quits print editions
Star News Publishing currently operates five community newspapers in Saskatchewan and Alberta along with printing over 60 community newspapers in Western Canada.
“With our long-standing and innovative printing and publishing roots in Saskatchewan and Alberta, we feel we are well positioned to take the TC Transcontinental publications and print operations to the next level,” said Star News Publishing owner Roger Holmes.
“The values that TC Transcontinental upholds are well aligned with our mission ‘to serve our readers with news and advertising of high integrity’ and we welcome this opportunity.”
Web properties along with some commercial printing equipment and a book business are also part of the deal.
Newspapers sold to Star News Publishing:
- Moose Jaw – The Moose Jaw Times Herald (Daily) and unCut (Weekly)
- Prince Albert – The Prince Albert Daily Herald (Daily), Rural Roots (Weekly) and SHOP P.A. (Periodical)
- Swift Current – The Southwest Booster (Weekly)
- Coronach – The Triangle News (Weekly)
- Grenfell – The Grenfell Sun (Weekly)
- Broadview – The Broadview Express (Weekly)
- Oxbow – The Oxbow Herald (Weekly)
- Radville – The Radville Star (Weekly) and Deep South Star (Weekly)
- Southern Life (Monthly)
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