Four New England newspapers including The Berkshire Eagle are being sold to local investors who plan to increase news coverage and community engagement.During a press conference Thursday, newly formed Birdland Acquisition announced it will complete the purchase of New England Newspapers Inc. from Digital First Media on May 2. Former Pittsfield District Court Judge Fred Rutberg is one of four principals in the ownership group, three of whom have homes in Stockbridge.
“By increasing the quality of the paper we are going to attract more readers and more advertisers,” said Rutberg.
The new owners pledged that all 154 employees at The Bennington Banner, The Brattleboro Reformer and The Manchester Journal along with the flagship Berkshire Eagle will keep their jobs with plans to add more staff.