Maine’s largest network of print and online publications, including the liberal Portland Press Herald and affiliated papers, may soon be up for sale.
The Bangor newspaper, which is not a part of newspaperman Reade Brower’s 30-publication empire, broke the news Thursday evening that Brower has apparently told staffers that he’s considering a sale.
“The truth is I am beginning the search for what’s next, whether that be a new steward or perhaps partners willing to join me in carrying the torch,” Brower wrote in an email to Bangor Daily News reporters.
“We are watching new ownership models emerge across the country from B-corporations to non-profit efforts.”
How much is the next buyer going to have to spend for the honor of owning Brower’s papers?
One clue: Democratic mega donor and former husband of U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-CD1) purchased a 75 percent stake in Maine Today Media, the company that contained the bulk of Brower’s papers, for $3.3 million in 2012.