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Gannett: CSU turned down sale of Collegian, partnership dismissed
Advisory committee members question timeline, administration's intentions
Erik Myers
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: News
A spokesperson with media giant Gannett told the Collegian Thursday the company's initial interest in the student-run paper was entirely focused on a purchase of the paper, not a "strategic partnership," as suggested by CSU President Larry Penley earlier this semester.
In an announcement she says the company had been "saying all along," Gannett spokesperson Tara Connell said the company was told in a closed door meeting with Penley, Jan. 22, that the paper was not for sale and that the company was never interested in any partnership with the Collegian -- short of acquisition.
"We said we'd like to perhaps buy the college newspaper," Connell said. "CSU (officials) said 'The CSU paper is not for sale,' and from our point-of-view, that was the end of the conversation."
After harsh criticism from the Student Media, students, faculty and community members, Penley authorized an "advisory committee" to review a proposal from Gannett and other interested parties, promising transparency in any changes to the Collegian.
But no official proposal has been submitted, and Gannett maintains the conversation ended before the forming of the committee, which until Thursday was discussing a partnership with Gannett despite the company's dismissal of any partnership.
Connell added that there had been some confusion in how Gannett's interest had been cast.
Following the Jan. 22 closed-door meeting with Bob Moore and Christine Chin, respective editor and publisher of Gannett-owned Fort Collins Coloradoan, Penley issued a university-wide statement addressing concerns and questions of the public.
"Based on a few questions from faculty and the many students who stopped by my office today, I want to update you regarding inquiry from the Coloradoan - a Gannett owned newspaper - relative to a potential strategic partnership with the Collegian," Penley said in the e-mail.
Moore, who spoke with the Collegian following the meeting, said the Coloradoan had not sought to buy out the Collegian.
In an announcement she says the company had been "saying all along," Gannett spokesperson Tara Connell said the company was told in a closed door meeting with Penley, Jan. 22, that the paper was not for sale and that the company was never interested in any partnership with the Collegian -- short of acquisition.
"We said we'd like to perhaps buy the college newspaper," Connell said. "CSU (officials) said 'The CSU paper is not for sale,' and from our point-of-view, that was the end of the conversation."
After harsh criticism from the Student Media, students, faculty and community members, Penley authorized an "advisory committee" to review a proposal from Gannett and other interested parties, promising transparency in any changes to the Collegian.
But no official proposal has been submitted, and Gannett maintains the conversation ended before the forming of the committee, which until Thursday was discussing a partnership with Gannett despite the company's dismissal of any partnership.
Connell added that there had been some confusion in how Gannett's interest had been cast.
Following the Jan. 22 closed-door meeting with Bob Moore and Christine Chin, respective editor and publisher of Gannett-owned Fort Collins Coloradoan, Penley issued a university-wide statement addressing concerns and questions of the public.
"Based on a few questions from faculty and the many students who stopped by my office today, I want to update you regarding inquiry from the Coloradoan - a Gannett owned newspaper - relative to a potential strategic partnership with the Collegian," Penley said in the e-mail.
Moore, who spoke with the Collegian following the meeting, said the Coloradoan had not sought to buy out the Collegian.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Bdygard
Craig Hawley
posted 3/08/08 @ 10:43 PM MST
congrats to the Collegian on not being sold. Now if you guys can stay away from future profanity and articles glorifying theft and drunkenness , and write more articles like the Holocaust piece I am behind you 100%. (Continued…)
Deebo
posted 3/10/08 @ 8:49 AM MST
"Strategic partnership" means sale 9 times out of 10. Dr. Penley's background is in business. Makes sense.
Craig Hawley
posted 3/10/08 @ 8:55 AM MST
well said deebo
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