On Monday morning, workers on the Arizona Every day Star walked right into a newsroom now absolutely owned by USA As we speak Co. — previously referred to as Gannett Firm, Inc.

It’s the nation’s largest media conglomerate which oversees greater than 100 native information shops.

The Star, based in 1879, had gone by a number of rounds of layoffs in recent times beneath its earlier proprietor, Lee Enterprises. Lee purchased the paper in 2005 and, in 2009, welcomed then-Gannett Publishing as a 50/50 co-owner.

Reporters on the Star shared publicly and with AZPM instantly on Monday that they’re optimistic concerning the new management.

Lengthy-time columnist Tim Steller posted on Fb that he’s “feeling hopeful” concerning the change.

USA As we speak Co. additionally owns the Phoenix-based Arizona Republic. When then-Gannett’s printing facility in Phoenix closed final yr, greater than 100 workers have been laid off as printing moved to Las Vegas. The Every day Star has additionally been printed in Las Vegas since then.

Requested to touch upon the possession change, the media large directed AZPM to a press launch which states its assets shall be put towards efforts which have the best native impression.

“By discovering modern methods to strengthen the long-term sustainability of journalism, this settlement underscores our unwavering dedication to the success of native information,” mentioned Michael A. Anastasi, senior vp of Native Information for the USA TODAY Community within the launch.

The Star’s government management has not responded to AZPM’s request for remark.