New in 2022!

There are now two ways to join our Media Solutions & Innovation program -- a full master's degree and via a certificate.

DO YOU WANT TO OWN A NEWSPAPER?

Before you dismiss the idea, consider this: profitable newspapers can be had all across the country. That’s right. They’re PROFITABLE. And they’re available. Right now.

What we're doing

NewStart is a local news ownership initiative, created by West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media in collaboration with the West Virginia Press Association, that has a mission to recruit, train and support the next generation of community news publication owners and publishers across the country.

What's the catch?

There really isn’t a catch, as long as you’re open to owning a weekly or daily paper in a small town, or starting your own print or online publication, and practicing invaluable community journalism that contributes to a healthy democracy. Still unsure this is the program for you? Fill out the form below and we'll contact you to answer any questions.

But why newspapers?


More than 90 percent of newspapers in the U.S. are “small market,” with a circulation of 50,000 or less. These newspapers are often family-owned and remain trusted sources of news and information in the communities they serve.


They also remain economically viable because of the continued demand for their exclusive hyper-local coverage and their commitment to improving their local communities.


However, many of these media outlets have reached a crossroads. The individuals and families who nurtured these publications for decades are looking for new owners who will continue to publish news that holds the powerful accountable and maintain a strong community presence.

Enter NewStart

NewStart is a local news ownership initiative, created by West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media in collaboration with the West Virginia Press Association, that has a mission to recruit, train and support the next generation of community news publication owners and publishers across the country.


Who are these new owners? They could be current college students who have an entrepreneurial flair. They could be current journalists who want to run their own publication. They could be journalists who have been caught up in the downsizing of newsrooms that has occurred across the country and want to start anew. Or they could be entrepreneurs with no journalism background who know how important journalism is for a healthy democracy and a strong community.


This one-of-a-kind program provides a comprehensive ownership transition plan that matches potential buyers with publications that want to sell, and offers extensive training for the new owners on how to manage, operate and grow their media properties. NewStart also is establishing a collaborative community of media entrepreneurs, who can share best practices and work together to create a sustainable model for local journalism.


The Media Solutions and Innovation program at WVU is open to anyone who has an interest in owning their own media outlet. If you are thinking about taking this next step in your career, we encourage you to apply. The program is also available for current media outlets that would like to train rising stars in their organizations for future leadership positions. More information on enrollment can be found here.


This community media accelerator is designed to strengthen local and regional news ecosystems to ensure community information needs are being met, while helping independent news media owners achieve long-term sustainability through digital transformation and adoption of new business models. This program will also help to enhance trust in the news media by building on the long-established relationship between local residents and their hometown newspaper.


In coordination with the West Virginia Press Association, the program offers insight into current small market revenue growth and long-term profitability. Participants will get updates on market analysis, staffing, website development, online presence, digital and print subscriptions, online and print advertising sales, events, sponsorships and partnerships.


For more information on the program, check out our FAQ, and then head to our Buying and Selling sections or reach out to program director Jim Iovino for more information.


From Our Students:

Join The NewStart Alliance!

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter that covers the local news landscape like no one else.


Check out past issues of the NewStart Alliance here, and then enter your email below to receive our weekly updates:

Looking to BUY or SELL?

If you would like to discuss how NewStart could help you become a newspaper owner or seller, please email Jim Iovino, Ogden Newspapers Visiting Assistant Professor of Media Innovation, at [email protected] or fill out the form by clicking on the Buy or Sell links and he will get back to you with more details.

Apply for the NewStart program

If you would like to apply for the program, click here.

Concerned about a publication in your area?

Fill us in on the details

Local News Resources

Check out our list of links and websites that can help entrepreneurs and local news orgs everywhere.

Al Cross

director and professor, University of Kentucky Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues

Don Smith

West Virginia Press Association Executive Director

Gary Sosniecki

Long-time newspaper publisher

Gerri Peterson

Publisher/Editor, Hooker County Tribune, Mullen, Nebraska

Helen Sosniecki

Long-time newspaper publisher