The Martha’s Vineyard Times announced Wednesday that the newspaper will come under new ownership in January.
The Martha’s Vineyard Times announced Wednesday that the newspaper will come under new ownership in January.
Longtime owner-publishers Peter and Barbara Oberfest are selling the newspaper to Steve Bernier, a well known Island businessman who owned Cronig’s Markets for 35 years, according to an article in the Times. Journalist Charles Sennott will become acting publisher.
The Oberfests originally bought into the paper in 1994 and became full-time owners two decades later.
The story in the Times reported that Mr. Bernier began financially backing the paper during the Covid pandemic. He sold Cronig’s Market to an employee, Andrea Donnelly, last year but remains associated with it.
Mr. Sennott has had a long career in journalism, working for the Boston Globe, co-founding GlobalPost and founding the GroundTruth Project, where he will remain in his role as editor-in-chief while contributing to the Martha’s Vineyard Times part-time, the article said.
The sale was expected to be finalized Sunday. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Comments
We're so fortunate to have 2
Nancy C OBWe're so fortunate to have 2 newspapers serving this island.
I like the Times, but my
Maryann EdgartownI like the Times, but my heart is with MV Gazette!! I like the print size. I did not realize Cronigs was sold??
Very lucky to have Charlie
Sharon B MenemshaVery lucky to have Charlie Sennott as acting publisher. How wonderful for MV
I love having both papers. I
Larry NYCI love having both papers. I just love mv gazette reporting, reminds me of the good old days.
The new owner Steve, will do a great job. He is all about the community and giving back.
Larry, you got that right Mr.
Peter OBLarry, you got that right Mr. Bernier is all about the community! Community first as Steve always says!
Nice to have both papers! But
Fred OBNice to have both papers! But my #1 is MV Gazette. Congrats to Steve and thank you for your community service and all you do for the Isand.
I also like having 2 news
Kenny EdgartownI also like having 2 news outlets. I just prefer the Gazettes reporting. Mr Bernier is the real deal all the community and giving back. He bought an old run down building at the 5 corners and then turns around and donates it to the Island Affordable Housing. I tip my hat!
The decline of newspapers is
Shawn Grain CarterThe decline of newspapers is accelerating across the nation. Local newspapers strengthen our community. It's a blessing to have two remarkable MV newspapers on this beloved island.
Newspaper industry has been
George Stein OBNewspaper industry has been quite a struggle for many publications worldwide since prominence of internet evolved. Creating an array of revenue streams is necessary for survival. The quality of staff has been earning awards like click work for years. I wish them well. Personally I would move the operation out of a continuous flood zone.
The former owners of the MV
stop censoring mvyThe former owners of the MV times censored online comments/ opinions that did not fit their narrative on the climate change discussion. As such, they lost support of many who disagree with their narrative, and stopped readers from becoming paid subscribers. When it was a free paper in the PO box, they would be able to support their ad rates with actual 'circulation' numbers. I'd guess when you count on fewer paid subscribers(lower verifiable circulation?) vs filling every PO box on the island, advertisers might have decided their ad dollars were better spent elsewhere since the online version was not free to view . Same applies to the gazette.. when you censor comments differing from your narrative, you lose support of those who were former subscribers and did not renew. I'd suggest to the new owner that practicing journalism and allow comments from all opinions, whether you agree or disagree, would encourge those of us to pay and subscribe.
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