A new nonprofit organization has launched an effort to preserve locally controlled, independent community journalism in Hancock County and the Downeast region for generations to come.
Acadia Newspaper Trust, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, announced today an initiative to transition The Ellsworth American, Mount Desert Islander and the Bangor Historian from private, for-profit ownership to nonprofit stewardship.
The Trust has set a goal of raising $1 million in community support to purchase the papers and cover initial operating costs. The goal is to complete the acquisition from Reade Brower in the summer of 2027.
“We want to make sure these newspapers remain firmly rooted in the communities they serve for generations to come. Local journalism is facing enormous economic pressures, and this effort is about building a sustainable future while preserving what has always defined our newspapers, local ownership, local voices and a commitment to the communities we serve.” — Chris Crockett, publisher The Ellsworth American, Mount Desert Islander, and Bangor Historian.
The newspapers have a long tradition of community journalism and present an opportunity to build a sustainable future for local news. The Ellsworth American, founded in 1851, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. The Mount Desert Islander has served Mount Desert Island and surrounding communities since 2001, while The Bangor Historian brings local history to tens of thousands of households in the greater Bangor area.
Under the nonprofit model, the publications will continue their mission of providing independent local journalism while revenue from subscriptions, advertising, donations
and other sources will be reinvested in that work and the long-term sustainability of the organization.
The new model will protect the newspapers’ editorial independence. Acadia Newspaper Trust will maintain a clear separation between donors and editorial decision-making, ensuring that financial support does not influence news coverage.
For former Ellsworth American owner and publisher Alan Baker, the creation of the Trust represents another chapter in the newspaper’s long history.
“A community newspaper is one of a town’s most important institutions. Its responsibility is to inform, to hold government accountable, and to tell the stories that define who we are. The creation of Acadia Newspaper Trust is an investment in that mission, assuring these newspapers will continue serving their communities with independence and integrity for future generations.” — Alan Baker, Former Publisher & Owner of The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander
Acadia Newspaper Trust’s mission extends beyond maintaining the newspapers as they exist today. The organization intends to further invest in local reporting, expand opportunities for journalism education, preserve historic newspaper archives and explore new ways of delivering community news as reader habits and technology continue to evolve.
At the center of the effort is a simple principle: Communities benefit when their local news organizations are accountable to the people and places they serve.
Acadia Newspaper Trust is seeking to raise $1 million through gifts, pledges, grants and community partnerships to support the transition and help establish a sustainable foundation for the newspapers’ future.
As a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Acadia Newspaper Trust is now accepting tax-deductible charitable contributions.
Community members can support the effort by making a donation, signing up to receive updates about the Trust and participating in upcoming community events and conversations about the future of local journalism.
The public is invited to meet the people behind Acadia Newspaper Trust and learn more about the effort during a community kickoff celebration on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Fogtown Brewing Company in Ellsworth.
The informal gathering will provide an opportunity to celebrate local journalism, ask questions about the nonprofit transition and learn how community members can become involved.
Learn more at acadianewspapertrust.org.