The Baltimore Sun’s New Co-Owner Emphasizes Commitment to Local and Investigative News Coverage
In an era where print media is struggling to compete with digital platforms, the recent acquisition of The Baltimore Sun by Armstrong Williams and David D. Smith has sparked both excitement and concern among staff members. However, Williams, a commentator and entrepreneur, is eager to emphasize his commitment to local and investigative news coverage, aiming to revitalize the appeal of the newspaper.
Williams believes that readers are hungry for news that directly impacts their lives and communities, rather than being bombarded with stories about national politics. He plans to focus on hyper-local coverage that informs residents about issues close to home, such as Maryland’s state legislature. Williams’ experience as the owner of multiple successful television stations has taught him the power of “localism,” and he intends to leverage this approach to attract readers to The Baltimore Sun.
While acknowledging the differences between television and print media, Williams plans to utilize multimedia in both the digital and print versions of the newspaper. One idea he raised is the use of QR codes in print articles, allowing readers to watch videos associated with specific stories. Williams believes that providing original source news that is important to readers’ daily lives will attract both readership and advertisers.
The transition of ownership from Alden Global Capital to Williams and Smith has not been without its bumps. Smith’s comments about print media being “so left wing as to be meaningless dribble” raised eyebrows among staff members, who questioned whether the new owners were solely focused on generating revenue rather than upholding journalistic values. However, Williams defended his business partner, stating that actions would speak louder than words and that the true judgment of their ownership would be based on their day-to-day operations.
Both Williams and Smith have expressed a keen interest in investing in investigative reporting. They believe that print media can thrive if it returns to its roots of unbiased storytelling and empowers investigative reporters to do their jobs. Williams highlights the importance of unexpected stories that unfold in real-time, emphasizing that the best stories are often those that are not assigned but discovered through active reporting.
In addition to their commitment to local and investigative news, Williams and Smith also aim to bring diverse perspectives to The Baltimore Sun. Williams, who served as a surrogate for former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson’s presidential campaign, believes that stories can range from fixing potholes to trash removal, as long as someone has a unique concept and perspective to share.
While the acquisition of The Baltimore Sun by Armstrong Williams and David D. Smith has raised concerns among staff members, Williams’ emphasis on local and investigative news coverage brings hope for the newspaper’s future. By catering to the needs of readers and advertisers, utilizing multimedia platforms, and investing in investigative reporting, Williams and Smith have the potential to revitalize the newspaper and secure its place in the ever-evolving media landscape.
