niemanlab.org·Jun 3, 2026
The Minnesota Star Tribune plans to reduce its workforce by 15% through layoffs and buyouts, shortly after winning a Pulitzer Prize, and is considering transitioning to a nonprofit ownership structure to ensure its future viability amidst ongoing challenges in the news industry.
The Minnesota Star Tribune's exploration of transitioning to a nonprofit ownership structure, following significant staff cuts, highlights a strategic shift potentially beneficial for local news outlets facing financial challenges. This move could serve as a model for other media organizations to sustain vital journalism while navigating ownership and profitability issues, particularly when current ownership models become unsustainable.