March 29, 2024

Shaw Media to buy Ottawa Times in Illinios

OTTAWA, Ill. – Shaw Media has agreed to acquire the The Times of Ottawa and its assets from Small Newspaper Group, company leaders announced Wednesday.

The Times will be the latest addition to Sterling-based Shaw’s portfolio of publications, which includes more than 150 titles in northern Illinois and Iowa. Shaw President and CEO John Rung said it was a great fit for the company.

“When we consider an acquisition, it has to make perfect sense, both financially and strategically. The Ottawa Times checks both boxes,” Rung said. “The addition of The Times to our portfolio of local newspapers makes Shaw Media a stronger company.”

The sale is expected to close the first week of April. Terms were not disclosed. Small Newspapers President Len R. Small said his company sought a smaller and more manageable footprint in the Midwest. Kankakee-based Small owns two other daily newspapers and several magazines and digital services in Illinois and Minnesota.

“This marks the end of an 80-year journey with the newspaper that has been a source of pride,” Small said. “We did our best to serve our communities, and the awards we received speak for themselves.

“It has been a privilege to work with a wonderful group of people. We wish them well with the new owners, who have a reputation for ethics and quality journalism that is well deserved.”

Shaw Media has been privately owned by the Shaw family since its founding in Dixon by B.F. Shaw in 1851.