Forum Communications Expands Reach with Acquisition of Seven Newspapers

Forum Communications Company (FCC) has announced the acquisition of seven daily newspapers, including the Capital Journal in Pierre and the Daily Leader in Madison, South Dakota. This strategic move, revealed on January 31, 2024, expands FCC’s footprint across the Upper Midwest, enhancing its ability to deliver local news and information to readers in these communities.

Details of the Acquisition

The deal involves newspapers from Wick Communications, a family-owned media company based in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Along with the two South Dakota publications, FCC also acquired newspapers in Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Williston, Wahpeton, and Hankinson in North Dakota; and Sidney, Montana. This acquisition represents a significant step in FCC’s commitment to local journalism.

According to Bill Marcil, Jr., CEO of Forum Communications, bringing these publications into the fold aligns with the company’s mission to support community journalism. “Acquiring publications from another family-owned company is a fitting way to expand our mission,” Marcil stated. “From the beginning, this just made sense.”

Integration and Future Plans

The official transition of ownership is set for February 1, 2024. However, FCC will begin engaging with employees and community members immediately to ensure a smooth integration process. Mary Jo Hotzler, Chief Content Officer for Forum Communications, emphasized the company’s dedication to investing in local news. “We have a strong track record of investing in local news and content. It’s not just something we say, it’s something we do,” she noted.

As part of its expanded offerings, Forum Communications plans to enhance sports coverage, including high school and local college athletics. The company already operates Sioux Falls Live, KSFL-TV, the Mitchell Republic, and NewsCenter1 in Rapid City, and aims to provide comprehensive coverage across its regional network. The introduction of the Midwest Sports+ platform in 2025 will further bolster sports reporting, livestreaming hundreds of local athletic events.

Hotzler added that integrating the Pierre and Madison markets would allow for combined reporting resources, enriching the quality of news and sports content available to subscribers across all publications within the FCC network. Readers in these communities will soon gain access to a wider array of news features and sports coverage.

Both Forum Communications and Wick Communications have deep roots in their respective communities, and this acquisition reflects a shared commitment to preserving and enhancing local journalism. As the landscape of media continues to evolve, FCC’s expansion underscores the importance of maintaining robust local news outlets.