I have written extensively on this blog about the slow demise of local newspapers, and news organizations in general, catering to a local audience.  One news outlet in Hamilton County is experiencing an ownership change in 2022 that is worth noting.

A post on the Web site of the Hamilton County Reporter December 31st announced the sale of the news operation as of January 1, 2022.  The new owners are Stu Clampitt, Isaac Taylor, Paul Poteet and Ray Adler.  The Reporter was started by Don and Jeff Jellison.  Jeff Jellison ran the business himself following the death of his father Don.

Jellison has mentioned publicly that he has his eyes on Hamilton Counter elective office, and the Reporter article announcing the ownership change says that Jellison plans to “focus on his calling – public service.”

As far as the news ownership group is concerned, Taylor will be the newspaper’s page designer, Stu Clampitt the publisher, Poteet is a well-known weather forecaster and Adler is an attorney with his office in Noblesville.

I had a news gathering partnership with the Hamilton County Reporter that lasted more than four years and ended during 2021.  I have had some differences of opinion with Jeff Jellison on occasion but I respect the fact that he has kept a local newspaper in business during a period when newspapers were closing or being sold to hedge funds. I wish Jeff Jellison the best in his future endeavors.

I also wish the new ownership of the Reporter the best of luck.  I have written this many times before, and still believe today, that you should subscribe to your local media.