King Country News owner David Mackenzie from Good Local Media with King Country News King Country general manager Sam Baggott
After 22 years, the King Country News (formerly Waitomo News) is changing hands.
Beacon Media Group, which bought the newspaper in 2002 from Frances Rawlings, has sold the business to David Mackenzie from Good Local Media Ltd.
David owns neighbouring newspapers Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News, along with the Waikato Business News, and is the president of the Community Newspaper Association.
He will assume ownership on April 1.
Beacon Media Group managing director John Spring announced the change to staff yesterday.
“Over the past 22 years as owners, we’ve had an enjoyable and successful relationship with the staff, community, advertisers and readers,” he said.
“An opportunity came along to pass on the reins to another passionate community newspaper owner and the time seemed right.”
John said although ownership of the paper was changing, some things would stay the same.
“The current staff will be offered positions, the same premises in King St will be retained, and the newspaper will continue to be printed by the Beacon Media Group.”
David is “delighted” to have the King Country News and its staff joining Good Local Media.
He sees the publication as a natural sister operation to the Te Awamutu News and Cambridge News and is committed to continuing to drive local news and issues.
“The King Country News has been publishing for over 110 years and is respected and well-read in Te Kūiti and Ōtorohanga,” David said.
“We see a strong future for community newspapers and will continue to stand up and be a voice for our communities we serve.”
