Decoding the Ownership Mystery- Who Really Calls the Shots at The Village Voice-

Who owns the Village Voice? This question has been on the minds of many readers and industry watchers since the iconic New York City newspaper faced financial difficulties and was eventually sold off. The Village Voice, known for its alternative journalism and counterculture coverage, has a rich history and a complex ownership story that has evolved over the years.

The Village Voice was founded in 1955 by Dan Wolf, Ed Fancher, and Norman Mailer. It quickly gained a reputation for its groundbreaking reporting and fearless approach to covering issues that were often overlooked by mainstream media. The newspaper’s editorial stance was often critical of the establishment and embraced the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s.

In the early 1990s, the Village Voice was acquired by New Times Media, a company owned by the late Sam Zell. Under Zell’s ownership, the newspaper faced a series of challenges, including budget cuts and a shift in its editorial focus. Despite these changes, the Village Voice continued to be a significant voice in New York City’s cultural landscape.

In 2015, the Village Voice was sold to Voice Media Group (VMG), a company that owns a number of alternative weeklies across the United States. VMG’s acquisition of the Village Voice marked the beginning of a new chapter for the newspaper, as it aimed to reinvigorate its content and reposition itself in the rapidly changing media landscape.

However, the Village Voice’s journey was not without controversy. In 2017, the newspaper faced a backlash after it was revealed that its new owner, Peter Barbey, had a history of legal troubles and had been involved in a dispute over the ownership of another alt-weekly, the New Haven Advocate. The revelation led to a public outcry, with many readers and journalists calling for the newspaper to be sold to a more reputable owner.

In response to the controversy, Barbey announced that he would sell the Village Voice to a non-profit organization called the Village Voice Media Trust. The trust was established to ensure that the newspaper’s legacy would continue, and that it would remain independent and free from commercial interests. The sale was completed in 2018, and the Village Voice Media Trust took over the newspaper’s operations.

Today, the Village Voice is once again owned by a non-profit organization, and it continues to publish in print and online. While the newspaper has faced numerous challenges over the years, its unique voice and commitment to alternative journalism have helped it maintain a dedicated readership and a place in the hearts of many New Yorkers.

In conclusion, the ownership of the Village Voice has been a complex and evolving story. From its inception as an independent publication to its various corporate owners, the newspaper has always been a reflection of the changing times and the cultural shifts that have shaped New York City. Its current ownership by the Village Voice Media Trust represents a new beginning for the newspaper, as it seeks to preserve its legacy and continue its mission of providing a platform for independent journalism and cultural commentary.