Red Oak Publications purchases The Express

The Red Oak Express and its sister newspaper, The Opinion-Tribune in Glenwood, are under new ownership. Harlan Newspapers and its parent company Blackbird LLC have purchased the longstanding southwest Iowa newspapers from Kentucky-based Paxton Media Group. The sale was finalized Sept. 1, less than three months after Paxton assumed ownership of The Opinion-Tribune and Express as part of its acquisition of the Landmark Community Newspapers group.

General Manager Tess Nelson said the ownership change ensures and strengthens The Express’ commitment to the Montgomery County community. She added she is particularly pleased to have The Express owned and managed by a company with an established footprint in western Iowa.

Nelson also believes the new ownership is a good fit for the Red Oak and Glenwood newspapers.

“It is exciting to be under the ownership of an organization that shares the same beliefs and values,” said Nelson.

Regional Publisher Joshua Byers said he’s already enjoyed talking ‘shop’ with staff and community members.

“We’re less than a week in and it’s exciting,” he said. “I don’t take this lightly. These communities deserve a strong journalistic voice and I’m committed to making that happen.”

Blackbird LLC owner J. Louie Mullen grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, and was a paperboy for the Sioux City Journal when he was a child. He’s worked in multiple capacities during his newspaper career, including reporter and publisher. His father is a longtime community newspaper publisher and two of his brothers are tied to the publishing industry.

“This acquisition means small community journalism will stay alive in Glenwood and Red Oak,” Mullen said. “I’ve been lucky enough to find success in this market and wouldn’t pursue investments in our industry if I didn’t see a bright future.”

In addition to the Iowa publications, Blackbird owns community newspapers in Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon and Washington.