Print Media Struggles to Survive: SaltWire Network and The Halifax Herald’s Future Hangs in the Balance

In a dramatic turn of events, the fate of Atlantic Canada’s largest newspaper chain is poised for a significant shift. The court-appointed monitor overseeing the potential sale of SaltWire Network Inc. and The Halifax Herald Ltd. has confirmed the selection of a bidder who aims to sustain these historic media enterprises.

Toronto-based KSV Restructuring Inc. revealed in a report dated Wednesday that discussions with an unnamed bidder are progressing towards a transaction expected to finalize by August 9, pending an extension of the sales process.

The Legacy of The Halifax Herald

The Halifax Herald Ltd., which owns The Chronicle Herald, a nearly 200-year-old independent daily based in Halifax, faces an uncertain future. Alongside, SaltWire Network Inc. operates several prominent newspapers in Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Newfoundland, such as the Cape Breton Post in Sydney, The Guardian in Charlottetown, and The Telegram in St. John’s. Additionally, it manages weekly papers and various digital publications. Together, these entities employ around 800 independent contractors and 390 staff, including about 100 unionized positions.

Financial Woes and Restructuring Efforts

The financial troubles of SaltWire and The Halifax Herald are significant. On March 13, a Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge granted these insolvent media companies protection from creditors to whom they owe approximately $90 million, with $32 million owed to the Fiera Private Debt Fund. Fiera has supported a restructuring process through a series of loans under the federal Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, allowing the companies to continue operations.

The companies, owned by Mark Lever and his wife Sarah Dennis, saw Lever step down as president and CEO of SaltWire earlier this year, with an expectation that he would submit a bid for the companies. In total, four qualified bidders emerged to acquire all or parts of the media companies’ business and assets. However, as of last Friday, only one bid remains under consideration.

Hope on the Horizon?

KSV’s report is optimistic, stating, “discussions are advancing with a party toward a transaction which, if completed, would see the business continue to operate on a going-concern basis. The monitor is hopeful that negotiations will lead to a successful transaction.” On June 28, KSV will request an extension of creditor protection from Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice John Keith to August 9. This extension aims to finalize any sales transaction, originally set to close by July 31.

Innovations and Future Plans

In an effort to enhance viability, the media companies have launched a “last mile” parcel delivery business known as Door Direct, utilizing their existing carrier network. “The media companies believe that this business has the potential to materially improve their viability,” the report notes. The Door Direct initiative is in its developmental stages but represents a strategic pivot to diversify revenue streams.

Furthermore, plans to sell Titan Security, a profitable security and healthcare service company with about 100 employees, are advancing. KSV is also seeking approval for a $135,000 “key employee retention plan” and an increase in interim financing from $3 million to $4.1 million. This plan aims to retain key personnel involved in the potential sale of the media companies and Titan Security.

The unfolding situation with SaltWire Network Inc. and The Halifax Herald Ltd. is a microcosm of the challenges faced by local media across the country. As the deadline approaches, the media landscape in Atlantic Canada hangs in the balance, with hopes pinned on a successful transaction that could secure the future of these historic institutions and their vital role in the community.

The Struggles of Local and Ethnic Media

This development underscores the broader struggle of local media, particularly print, to survive in a rapidly changing media landscape. Smaller ethnic media outlets are particularly hard-hit, grappling with the shift towards digital consumption and declining revenues. These outlets play a crucial role in their communities, providing news and perspectives often overlooked by larger media organizations.