Lee Enterprises and USA TODAY Co. Realign Local Newspaper Portfolios
Lee's planned acquisitions add to its existing publications in Montana and South Dakota.
Rhea-AI Summary
Lee Enterprises (LEE) and USA TODAY Co. (TDAY) entered agreements to realign newspaper portfolios in Montana, South Dakota and Arizona.
Lee will acquire the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Aberdeen American News (including the Farm Forum), Watertown Public Opinion and Great Falls Tribune. The agreements take effect immediately and end TNI Partners, the Arizona Daily Star joint venture. Lee handled the paper’s newsroom, production and related technology operations under the venture, while USA TODAY Co. handled advertising and sales, accounting and finance. USA TODAY Co. will assume full ownership and operations of the Arizona Daily Star.
Positive
- Lee will acquire four publications in Montana and South Dakota.
- USA TODAY Co. will assume full ownership and operations of the Arizona Daily Star.
Negative
- Lee's Arizona Daily Star operating role ends with the TNI Partners joint venture.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Complementary Transaction Supports Local Journalism in Arizona, Montana and South Dakota
DAVENPORT, Iowa, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: LEE) and USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) announced today strategic agreements that signal an exciting next chapter for both organizations, effective immediately. Lee Enterprises will acquire publications in South Dakota and Montana respectively to include the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, the Aberdeen American News (including the Farm Forum), the Watertown Public Opinion and the Great Falls Tribune. Lee Enterprises maintains a strong footprint across Montana through the Billings Gazette, Independent Record, Missoulian, The Montana Standard and Ravalli Republic, as well as the Rapid City Journal in South Dakota.
The agreements also conclude TNI Partners, the joint venture involving the Arizona Daily Star, where Lee Enterprises led the Arizona Daily Star’s newsroom, production and related technology operations, while USA TODAY Co. managed advertising and sales, accounting and finance functions. USA TODAY Co. will assume full ownership and operations of the Arizona Daily Star. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for local journalism and community engagement across Arizona where USA TODAY Co. owns The Arizona Republic.
These transactions allow each company to be better positioned to focus resources where they can have the greatest local impact. Aligning these trusted brands in these markets enables both companies to invest in growth, serve local audiences and support the future of community journalism.
“We’re honored to deepen our commitment to the communities of Montana and South Dakota,” said Nathan Bekke, Lee’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Across the 193 brands we serve in 28 states, our focus is the same: providing trusted local news and information that helps people stay informed, connected and engaged in their communities.”
“These thoughtful transactions reflects a strategic decision to best serve these communities and support the future of local journalism,” said Michael A. Anastasi, Senior Vice President of Local News, USA TODAY Network. “As leaders in the industry, we have a responsibility to ensure local news organizations are positioned for long-term success. We are proud to welcome the Arizona Daily Star and its talented team to the USA TODAY Network and look forward to building on its longstanding tradition of trusted local journalism.”
ABOUT LEE ENTERPRISES, INC.
Lee Enterprises is a leading provider of local news and information and a major subscription and advertising platform with 193 owned and managed brands across 28 states. Lee's markets include St. Louis, MO; Buffalo, NY; Omaha, NE; Richmond, VA; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; and Davenport, IA. Lee Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net.
ABOUT USA TODAY CO., INC.
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. Our mission is to inspire, inform, and connect audiences. As a media and digital marketing solutions company we are focused on sustainable growth. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver trusted unbiased journalism when and where consumers want it. LocaliQ, our digital marketing solutions brand, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Lee Enterprises
IR@lee.net
(563) 383-2100
USA TODAY Co.
hgidaly@usatodayco.com
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Which publications will Lee Enterprises acquire in Montana and South Dakota?
Lee will acquire the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Aberdeen American News (including the Farm Forum), Watertown Public Opinion and Great Falls Tribune.
What happens to the Arizona Daily Star under the Lee Enterprises and USA TODAY Co. agreements?
USA TODAY Co. will assume full ownership and operations of the Arizona Daily Star. The agreements end TNI Partners, the companies’ joint venture involving the paper.