Knight-Ridder To Trade Boulder Newspaper for Two California Dailies

Posted on July 28, 1997

Knight-Ridder announced that it has reached an agreement with the E.W. Scripps Company to trade the Daily Camera in Boulder, Colo., for two California newspapers, The Monterey County Herald and the Telegram-Tribune in San Luis Obispo. The trade will add to Knight-Ridder's presence in northern California, where the company already owns the San Jose Mercury News and the Contra Costa Times.

The Daily Camera, which has a circulation of 34,035 daily and 41,920 Sunday, will bolster Scripps' presence in Colorado, where it also operates the Rocky Mountain News.

"This exchange makes sense for Knight-Ridder and the Daily Camera," said Knight-Ridder Chairman and CEO Tony Ridder.

"Monterey and San Luis Obispo are very good markets with potential for considerable growth. It's a plus that they are relatively close, particularly Monterey, to our newspapers in San Jose and Contra Costa County.

"While it's very difficult to part company with the Daily Camera and its fine staff, we believe they will enjoy a secure future because of the commitment Scripps has made to the Rocky Mountain region."

The Monterey County Herald has a circulation of 35,000 daily and 39,000 Sunday, and the Telegram-Tribune has a circulation of 34,000 Monday through Saturday.

William R. Burleigh, president and CEO of Scripps, said, "The Daily Camera is an outstanding local newspaper with an impressive journalistic history and a deep commitment to public service. This is a great opportunity to boost the Scripps presence in one of our favorite regions -- the Rocky Mountains.

"It is with great reluctance that we leave Monterey and San Luis Obispo," Burleigh said. "However, we believe this exchange is in the best interest of all involved, and we're confident that Knight-Ridder will be a great partner for these California communities."