Claremont, New Hampshire - October 12, 2009
The Eagle Times newspaper in Claremont, New Hampshire folded over the summer and has not printed the news since. That is, until today.
Reporters once again type up stories at the Eagle Times newsroom in Claremont. About 100 workers were laid off without notice this past July after the paper announced it was filing for bankruptcy, leaving a bitter taste in the community.
"The Eagle Times has a very special place in the minds and hearts of the people in this area, and we are happy to be apart of bringing it back and giving the people of Claremont their newspaper back," said publisher Harry Hartman.
On Monday, the paper's headline says it all. After three months of silence the community's voice has returned. The paper was purchased by the Sample News Group, which owns daily and weekly publications up and down the east coast.
"All the way up in Maine down to the southern most point in New Jersey. We own several large dailies up in Maine, a cluster of daily newspapers in central and western Pennsylvania. Newspapers are what we do," said Hartman.
So far, only about 20 people have been rehired. Hartman says the business needs to walk before it runs, and a simple business model will help lead to the paper's success.
"The focus is write stories, sell advertising and the paper will sell itself," said Hartman.
Advertisers like the Common Man Inn and Spa, which recently opened for business in Claremont's newly renovated mill complex.
"Our first guests at the Inn were June 3rd and we had the Eagles Times at that point, and shortly thereafter, they left us and I tell you it left a big hole," said Meg Cowan of The Common Man.
Cowan says the local economy is on the rebound and the paper's return is another step in the right direction.
"We are expecting a big season as well and to have the community paper again, it is priceless," said Cowan.
"Our belief is that a local paper, with hyper local coverage as we say, is going to be very successful in Claremont and we are looking forward to that," said Hartman.
Owners say that are taking things slow to start, but they have not ruled out plans to start printing at Spectator again. The Spectator was a weekly news publication owned by the Eagle Times which also stopped publishing news this summer.
Adam Sullivan - WCAX News
