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Adirondack Newspaper Changes Hands After Century of Family Ownership

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/12 .. ges-hands-after-century-of-family-ownership.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 18:48 GMT by Press-Republican, Plattsburgh, N.Y.
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

SARANAC LAKE, NY - February 12th, 2026 - A significant shift in the landscape of Adirondack journalism occurred today with the official sale of the Enterprise-Lake Placid News to Ogden Newspapers Inc. The transaction marks the end of over a century of local ownership by the Finch family, a period deeply interwoven with the history and identity of the region.

For nearly 100 years, since 1924, the Finch family has diligently served the communities of Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, delivering local news, features, and vital information to residents and visitors alike. The newspaper, originating in 1925, has become synonymous with Adirondack life, chronicling everything from Olympic triumphs and environmental concerns to local elections and everyday community events. The decision to sell, according to Peter Finch, was not taken lightly. It stemmed from a desire to ensure the newspaper's continued viability and commitment to serving the Adirondack community in an increasingly challenging media environment.

"This was a difficult decision, but we felt it was important to find a partner who would continue to value the Enterprise-Lake Placid News's mission and commitment to the Adirondack community," Finch stated. "Maintaining local journalism is critical, and we believe Ogden Newspapers is well-positioned to do that."

Ogden Newspapers, a West Virginia-based, family-owned media company, has a substantial footprint in the newspaper industry, currently publishing 41 daily newspapers across 11 states. This acquisition represents a strategic expansion for Ogden into the unique and important Adirondack region. Bill Ogden, President of Ogden Newspapers, expressed enthusiasm about the purchase.

"We are pleased to welcome The Enterprise-Lake Placid News to the Ogden family," Ogden said. "We are committed to upholding the paper's traditions and providing quality journalism to the Adirondack region."

A Shifting Media Landscape & The Importance of Local Ownership

The sale of the Enterprise-Lake Placid News is emblematic of a broader trend in the media industry. Independent and family-owned newspapers have faced increasing pressures from declining advertising revenue, the rise of digital media, and the dominance of large media conglomerates. Maintaining independent, local journalism is increasingly difficult in the current economic climate. The Finch family's proactive approach in finding a suitable buyer, one with a proven track record in newspaper publishing, highlights the importance of preserving this vital community resource.

Ogden Newspapers' model - a large, yet still family-owned company - is increasingly rare. Unlike many media organizations acquired by private equity firms or large corporations focused solely on profit margins, Ogden has historically demonstrated a commitment to maintaining the editorial independence and local focus of its acquired newspapers. This approach is crucial in areas like the Adirondacks, where local issues and community stories often get overlooked by larger, regional or national news outlets.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

While specific details regarding future operations and staffing remain unclear, the initial statements from Ogden Newspapers are encouraging. The company's pledge to uphold the newspaper's traditions suggests a commitment to continuing the type of journalism that has defined the Enterprise-Lake Placid News for decades. However, some changes are inevitable.

Industry analysts predict potential integration of Ogden's digital platforms and advertising networks, which could expand the newspaper's reach and revenue streams. We may also see increased emphasis on online content and social media engagement. It's likely Ogden will leverage its existing resources to improve operational efficiency and potentially introduce new features or sections to the newspaper. The biggest concern for many local readers is the potential for staff reductions. While Ogden hasn't announced any immediate plans for layoffs, streamlining operations is often a priority during acquisitions.

The long-term success of the Enterprise-Lake Placid News under Ogden ownership will depend on its ability to balance preserving its local identity with adapting to the evolving demands of the modern media landscape. Continued investment in quality local reporting, coupled with a strategic digital presence, will be essential for ensuring the newspaper remains a vital voice in the Adirondack community for years to come. This sale isn't just about a change in ownership; it's about the future of local news in a rapidly changing world, and the Adirondack region will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds.