The Times-Picayune and its website, nola.com, have been purchased by New Orleans Advocate owners John and Dathel Georges.
According to information posted on the nola.com website, The Advocate will begin publishing a seven-day home-delivered newspaper in New Orleans using the brands and features from both publications. The new newspaper is scheduled to debut in June, as will a merged website under the nola.com brand.
The Times-Picayune had not been listed for sale. However, the paper’s previous owners, Advance Local Media, LLC, agreed with the Georges after recent discussions that the merger will help to preserve quality journalism and provide the local community with better service.
“New Orleans has never lost its love for a daily newspaper,” John Georges said. “I want to thank Advance Local for working with us to ensure a strong print and online news company for years to come.”
“Advance Local is very reluctant to leave New Orleans, our talented employees, loyal readers, and advertisers,” said Advance Local CEO Randy Siegel. “But we are confident that The Advocate will continue our history of excellent local journalism and community service.”
The Advocate will hire new staff from current Times-Picayune and nola.com employees, and plans to expand its coverage of suburban community events, arts and entertainment, and sports. Current subscribers to both newspapers will receive extended subscriptions to The Advocate. Current subscribers and advertisers of The Times-Picayune will be contacted in the coming weeks.
