Forum Communications Acquires Seven Newspapers in Major Expansion

Forum Communications Company has significantly expanded its operations by acquiring seven newspapers across four states in the Upper Midwest. The deal, announced on Wednesday, is set to take effect on February 1, 2024, and involves purchasing publications from Wick Communications, a family-owned media company based in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

The acquisition includes the *Fergus Falls Journal Daily Journal* in Minnesota, along with the *Wahpeton Daily News*, *Hankinson News Monitor*, and *Williston Herald* in North Dakota. Additionally, Forum Communications will take over the *Pierre Capital Journal* and *Madison Daily Leader* in South Dakota, as well as the *Sidney Herald* in Montana.

According to Bill Marcil, Jr., CEO of Forum Communications and the fifth-generation leader of the family-owned company, this acquisition represents a natural expansion for the business. “From the beginning, this just made sense,” he stated, highlighting the company’s commitment to local journalism.

In a similar vein, Josh O’Connor, CEO of Wick Communications, expressed enthusiasm regarding the transition. “We’re excited about the future of these community publications and the talented employees that work hard every day to produce local journalism and advertising offerings,” he noted in a companywide announcement.

Although the official ownership transfer is still a few weeks away, Forum Communications plans to begin engaging with employees from the acquired publications immediately. Mary Jo Hotzler, chief content officer for Forum Communications, emphasized the importance of community connections. “These are great communities, and we look forward to building on the good work they already do each day,” she said. “We have a strong track record of investing in local news and content. It’s not just something we say; it’s something we do.”

The focus on local sports remains a priority for Forum Communications, which already has a robust coverage of high school and local college sports. This expansion will enhance their existing daily news operations, which include prominent publications such as *The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead*, *Rochester Post Bulletin*, and *Duluth News Tribune*. Other Lakes area publications, including the *Detroit Lakes Tribune*, *Perham Focus*, and *Alexandria Echo Press*, will also benefit from this broadened network.

Forum Communications is also the parent company of WDAY-TV in Fargo and WDAY+, along with Midwest Sports+, a sports streaming app launched last year. The integration of these new locations into the Forum Communications news network will significantly amplify its reach and influence. Once the new publications are fully integrated, subscribers will gain access to a wider array of news, sports, and features content from across the FCC regional footprint.

With this acquisition, Forum Communications reaffirms its commitment to enhancing local journalism and expanding its media presence in the Upper Midwest, ensuring that communities receive the news and information that matter most to them.