Dr. Robert B. Pamplin Jr. has sold Pamplin Media Group to Carpenter Media Group, effective June 1. “After 25 years operating Oregon’s largest newspaper group, we made the decision to sell the company,” said Pamplin. “Due to age and health reasons, it made sense to pass the company on to someone else who will carry on the tradition of balanced journalism, the old-fashioned way.”
“For more than two decades we have had the privilege of working for a person who earned his own way,” said Mark Garber, vice chair of Pamplin Media Group. “I’ve known his family, and those close to him for 23 years, and I know that Bob Pamplin wasn’t gifted his wealth. He earned it. I don’t know anyone who has worked harder and continues to work hard even today. Those who know him will attest to his honesty and drive to do what’s right.”
Pamplin Media Group President J. Brian Monihan also expressed appreciation for the support he’s received from the Pamplin family. He will continue to lead the media company under Carpenter as Regional Publisher.
“Our staff and the communities we serve owe Bob Pamplin and his family our sincere thanks and gratitude for what they have done to preserve community journalism in Oregon,” said Monihan. “Without their support, many communities would have lost their local newspaper years ago. Dr. Pamplin’s wisdom to understand the critical role a newspaper can have in a community, and the investment he made to keep these newspapers operating, is something everyone needs to appreciate.
We are also excited for the new leadership Carpenter Media Group will bring to our team. Their experience and systems will allow our company to grow and expand to better serve our readers and advertisers.”
Carpenter Media Group (CMG) is organized and driven to serve and develop communities through excellent local journalism, guiding the marketing and advertising of its small and medium-sized business customers and developing its team members to grow personally and professionally.
Todd Carpenter, of Natchez, Mississippi, is principal and chairman. Tim Prince, of Mountain Brook, Ala., is CEO. ”We are pleased to join this exceptional team of journalists, marketing and newspaper people in Oregon,” said Carpenter. “We share their high standards and business values, understand the importance of delivering high-quality journalism and marketing services to these communities and will work hard to support them in their efforts.”
“Dr. Pamplin and his colleagues have made an indelible impact on community journalism and the communities in this region. We take the responsibility of continuing their work seriously and will strive to uphold the high standards he has set for all of us in the industry,” said Prince. “We could not be more pleased to join with Brian and his team, and we are eager to get to work.”
The transaction, which was handled by John Cribb of Cribb, Cope & Potts, includes the following Oregon publications and websites: Portland Tribune, Lake Oswego Review, West Linn Tidings, Wilsonville Spokesman, The News-Times (Forest Grove and Hillsboro), The Times (Tigard and Tualatin), Beaverton Valley Times, The Outlook (Gresham), Sandy Post, Estacada News, Columbia County Spotlight (Scappoose and St. Helens), The Herald-Pioneer (Canby and Molalla), Woodburn Independent, Newberg Graphic, Madras Pioneer, Central Oregonian (Prineville), Milwaukie Review, Oregon City News, Sherwood Gazette, Southwest Community Connection (Portland), The Bee (Portland), Business Tribune and Your Oregon News.
With the purchase of Pamplin Media Group, CMG now owns and manages more than 180 titles in the U.S. and Canada.
