Major ownership shifts may be on the horizon

Major community newspaper ownership changes are in the offing, the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) has learned.

CCNA has learned that CanWest Global, which owns 41 community newspapers in Canada, has put all of its community newspapers and at least some of its small-market dailies up for sale.

The closing date on offers for the papers was reportedly April 12. CCNA has also learned that many papers in Atlantic Canada may also be up for sale. A number as high as 70 per cent of papers in Atlantic Canada may soon change hands.

CCNA is keeping abreast of the potential ownership changes and will continue to cover the subject in the Publisher, the Publish Bulletin and its web site at www.communitynews.ca .