Detroit, January 27, 2026
USA Today Co., the owner of the Detroit Free Press, has announced plans to acquire The Detroit News. This move comes after the end of a nearly 40-year joint operating agreement, aiming to strengthen local journalism while both newspapers maintain their editorial independence. The acquisition will enhance the USA TODAY Network’s audience reach and commitment to local news in the Detroit area.
Lansing, Michigan
USA Today Co., owner of the Detroit Free Press, has announced plans to acquire The Detroit News, bringing both major metropolitan newspapers under the same ownership.
The acquisition follows the end of a nearly 40-year joint operating agreement between the two publications, which allowed them to collaborate on business operations while maintaining separate newsrooms. Despite the change in ownership, both newspapers will continue to publish independently. The terms of the sale, including the price, were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to conclude by the end of the month and is financed through a partnership involving Apollo Global Management.
The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press, both longstanding publications with numerous Pulitzer Prizes, had operated under special antitrust exemptions since 1989 to ensure survival in a competitive market. USA Today Co., formerly known as Gannett, continues to navigate industry challenges following financial cutbacks, including its 2024 decision to stop using Associated Press content.
Background on the Joint Operating Agreement
In 1989, the two papers began a joint operating agreement, a deal established under the 1970 Newspaper Preservation Act which allowed failing newspapers to be exempt from certain antitrust rules. This agreement allowed the two newspapers to share certain business operations, such as advertising, printing, and distribution, while maintaining separate editorial content. This agreement ended in December 2025 after 36 years.
Details of the Acquisition
The acquisition is expected to strengthen the USA TODAY Network’s audience and its portfolio of more than 200 local publications nationwide, reinforcing the company’s commitment to local journalism in the Detroit metropolitan area.
Implications for Detroit’s Media Landscape
Despite the common ownership, the papers will operate separately, meaning Detroit will continue to be a two-newspaper town. The acquisition reflects a shared desire to ensure that these publications maintain their individual integrity while benefiting from shared resources.
About the Publications
The Detroit News was founded in 1873 and continues to earn recognition for its commitment to strong journalism in various formats. The award-winning publication has been named Michigan Newspaper of the Year three times by the Michigan Press Association (2022, 2023, and 2024) with columnists and reporters frequently recognized for their investigative reporting, sports writing, and digital presentation.
The Detroit Free Press, also a longstanding publication, has won 10 Pulitzer Prizes and continues to serve the Detroit metropolitan area with trusted, high-quality news and content.
Conclusion
The acquisition of The Detroit News by USA Today Co. marks a significant development in Detroit’s media landscape, ending decades of separate ownership while maintaining the distinct editorial voices of both publications. The deal underscores a commitment to local journalism and the continued delivery of quality news to the Detroit community.
FAQ
What is the joint operating agreement between the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News?
The joint operating agreement, established in 1989 under the Newspaper Preservation Act, allowed the two newspapers to share certain business operations, such as advertising, printing, and distribution, while maintaining separate editorial content. This agreement ended in December 2025 after 36 years.
Will The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press continue to operate independently?
Yes, despite the acquisition, both newspapers will continue to publish independently, maintaining their distinct editorial voices.
Who is financing the acquisition?
The acquisition is financed through cash and financing managed by Apollo Global Management.
What is the significance of this acquisition for Detroit’s media landscape?
The acquisition marks a significant development in Detroit’s media landscape, ending decades of separate ownership while maintaining the distinct editorial voices of both publications. It underscores a commitment to local journalism and the continued delivery of quality news to the Detroit community.
Key Features of the Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquiring Company | USA Today Co., owner of the Detroit Free Press |
| Acquired Company | The Detroit News |
| Acquisition Announcement Date | January 26, 2026 |
| Expected Closing Date | End of January 2026 |
| Financial Terms | Not disclosed; financed through cash and financing managed by Apollo Global Management |
| Impact on Operations | Both newspapers will continue to publish independently with separate newsrooms and editorial operations |
| Historical Context | The acquisition follows the end of a nearly 40-year joint operating agreement between the two publications |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
