Posted by Dick Hall

During the introduction, Bob Martin told us about the death of many print media companies and that digital media has more eyes than print media.

Reade Brower immediately said that if he knew it was as bad as Bob says, he would not have bought the paper.  Reade told us that he never intended to buy the Portland Press Herald, but it happened when his printing company wanted to get the printing contract.  In discussions over the contract, Donald Sussman had another idea.  Donald Sussman offered Reade the ability to take over all of Maine Today Media’s assets. Donald found it very difficult running a paper while being married to the US Representative from the area.  Reade agreed to the purchase because he wanted to save the jobs and save the community newspaper.  He retained 99+% of the employees and has let the talented staff continue to do what they do so well.  He has introduced a number of cost savings and the paper is now on solid footing.  

Reade explained how he started in the business as a paperboy but when he moved to Maine, following his girlfriend, he could not find a job.  He recounted how he was told he did not have enough experience for lift attendant at the Camden Snowbowl.  With no prospects, he started a coupon book for downtown merchants. He realized he needed some content, so he morphed the coupon book to the The Free Press, a fixture in mid-coast Maine for over 25 years.

Reade told us that he was very successful in the advertising publications, and these led to opportunities when others were falling on hard times.  His philosophy is that communities need community newspapers, and the papers need to be responsive to the needs of the community.  Reade himself would be apolitical in his management, but he allows each organization to develop its own voice.  Reade very rarely gets involved in any editorial decisions.  When selling adds, Reade would accept ads from anyone, although on one occasion the ad was too graphic for the audience.

Reade, after the purchase of the PPH, acquired the Sun Media Group, publisher of Lewiston’s Sun Journal and a dozen weekly newspapers in southern and western Maine, and the Rutland Herald, Barre-Montpelier Times Argus, along with affiliated print and online publications of the Herald Association in Vermont.  He did this for the same reasons, to support community newspapers and save jobs.  Since the purchase all are on firm financial footing

When asked about the future, Reade confirmed that he only has a 10-minute plan.  He had a back-and-forth reminiscing with Gracie Johnston, as she worked at several of the papers which Reade now owns in Vermont.  He was also very good natured when Jim Willey suggested double bagging the paper on rainy days.

 

(L-R: Bob Martin,Reade Brower, ? and President Don Zillman.)