The Denver Post Enters New Era With Momentum on its Side

Contributions of Rocky Mountain News noted as its story ends

DENVER, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ — The Denver Post – which has served for the last 117 years as “The Voice of the Rocky Mountain Empire” – today entered a new era in which Coloradans will look to it more than ever as the region’s information leader.

Beginning with the Saturday, February 28th edition, The Denver Post will be the metro area’s only major daily newspaper. The Rocky Mountain News will publish its final edition Friday, February 27th, a day after it announced it would close.

“For 150 years, the Rocky has been so intertwined with the story of Denver that it’s difficult to discuss one without the other. The Rocky will forever be remembered for its vital role in the city’s history and the city’s success,” said Post Chairman and Publisher William Dean Singleton. “Although we competed intensely, the talented staff of the Rocky earned our respect with each morning’s edition. We wish these fine journalists the best of luck; we’re confident that they’ll continue to make a meaningful impact in their future endeavors.”

Beginning this Saturday morning, the new Saturday Post will be delivered to all Rocky Mountain News subscribers who will continue to receive The Post for the length of their subscriptions.

MediaNews Group Inc. and the E. W. Scripps Company in 2000 formed the Denver Newspaper Agency (DNA) to manage the business and production operations of the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post under the terms of a joint operating agreement (JOA).

The Post announced that many popular writers and features from the Rocky will be joining The Post.

Rocky Mountain News columnists Tina Griego, Penny Parker, Bill Johnson, and Mike Littwin will join The Post, as well as Dave Krieger in sports. Rocky Mountain News Editorial Page Editor Vincent Carroll will join The Post editorial board and will write an editorial page column.

Also joining The Post will be Rocky Mountain News staff writers Lynn Bartels (politics), Burt Hubbard (database reporting specialist), Kevin Vaughan (general assignment) and Gargi Chakrabarty (energy industry).

The Post also will incorporate all Rocky Mountain News comics and many of its puzzles.

In letter to readers, Singleton and Editor Gregory L. Moore wrote:

“The Post now assumes the great responsibility of serving as the metro area’s only major newspaper and Colorado’s information leader. The Post will maintain and build on its long-standing commitment to capture in a single newspaper the diversity of voices upon which readers have come to depend.

“The Post will bring aboard Rocky writers and features that will seem to Rocky readers like old friends on a new stage. Post readers will experience an enhanced Denver Post that combines the strengths of both newspapers.”

“We’re in the information business and never has there been a more pressing need for clear, reliable, timely and comprehensive information that helps the public to make sense of complex events and to succeed in a constantly changing world,” Singleton added.

While acknowledging the challenging economy, Singleton said, “These are the times when an organization proves its mettle. This is a difficult period for all industries and, certainly, the media business is no exception. But those who survive this period will emerge stronger and will carry that momentum into the future.”

“We know that readers – especially longtime Rocky readers – may have questions, which we’re ready to answer,” Moore said. “We’re going to work to earn their trust each day. No one else in the region will be able to compete with our newsgathering resources. Whether online or the print edition, The Denver Post will be Colorado’s information leader. We believe that will make The Post a must-read resource and that, in turn, will be attractive to advertisers who will enjoy its unmatched reach and value.”

The Post will publish seven days a week, including Saturday, which the JOA previously reserved for the Rocky Mountain News.

“While the economics of a two-newspaper JOA weren’t sustainable, The Post will be financially strong,” said Singleton, who noted that The Post produced a disproportionate share of the DNA’s revenue.

SOURCE Denver Newspaper Agency