Don't expect much to change with BusinessNorth, a monthly Northland business newspaper, after ownership changes hands April 1.
"There's no plans to drastically change the product," said new co-owner Ron Brochu, a longtime journalist who was most recently executive editor of the Daily Telegram in Superior. "We're happy where we're at, to build on what [the founder] did."
However, one change is in the offing. New co-owner Beth Bily said they plan to expand their online content and online ads after they take over April 1. The terms of the sale were not disclosed.
As in the past, the publication will continue to provide substantive news about regional business and industry, they say.
"We are an incredible player in business news," said Wayne Nelson, who founded the newspaper in 1992 after years as a business writer, including stints at the Duluth News Tribune.
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Like other print media, BusinessNorth, based in Duluth, has been affected by a down economy and changing readership habits. But because of its niche -- an audience in industry, small business and entrepreneurs -- the impact has been less than with daily newspapers, Nelson says.
Revenue and circulation are down a bit, acknowledged Nelson, who declined to say how much. Current circulation is 6,000 with an estimated readership of 21,000.
"Everybody's hurting," he said.
Nelson insists that had little to do with his decision to sell the business, which has four employees, two independent contractors and contributing writers.
"Frankly, it's time to move on," Nelson said.
"I'm 65," he said. "I let BusinessNorth drive my life for 19 years. ... I'm ready to change my life."
Finding the right people to take over the publication was key, said Nelson, noting that Bily and Brochu are perfect to take over.
"They're savvy about what's changing in Northland industry," he said. "They'll move BusinessNorth into a new decade."
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Both have ties to the publication. Bily, 42, former editor of the Grand Rapids Herald Review, is a reporter and advertising representative for BusinessNorth. Brochu, 55, a veteran business reporter, was managing editor of BusinessNorth from 1995 to 1997.
Although the deal closes March 31, Nelson will stay on as editor through a transition time.
"This was an opportunity it was hard to say no to," said Brochu, adding that he's missed journalism since leaving the Telegram in 2008.
