USA TODAY Co. Completes Acquisition of Detroit News

All Detroit News employees to remain with the publication under new ownership.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55am

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USA TODAY Co., Inc. has officially acquired the 153-year-old Detroit News from MediaNews Group, owned by hedge fund Alden Global Capital. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but all Detroit News employees have accepted offers of employment from USA TODAY Co. and will remain with the publication following the transition.

Why it matters

The acquisition of the Detroit News by the larger USA TODAY Co. network marks a significant consolidation in the local news landscape. While the companies have stressed that the Detroit News will maintain its distinct voice, the deal raises questions about the future editorial independence and competitive dynamics between the News and its longtime rival, the Detroit Free Press.

The details

USA TODAY Co., formerly known as Gannett Co., Inc., had been running the business operations of the Detroit News since 1989 under a joint operating agreement (JOA) with MediaNews Group, which ran the News' newsroom. The JOA ended on December 28, 2025, paving the way for USA TODAY Co. to purchase the Detroit News outright from MediaNews Group, which is owned by hedge fund Alden Global Capital.

  • The Detroit News JOA with USA TODAY Co. ended on December 28, 2025.
  • USA TODAY Co. announced its intention to purchase the Detroit News on January 26, 2026.
  • The acquisition of the Detroit News by USA TODAY Co. was officially completed on January 31, 2026.

The players

USA TODAY Co., Inc.

A media company that owns and operates more than 200 newspapers, including the flagship USA TODAY publication.

MediaNews Group

A hedge fund-owned media company that previously owned the Detroit News.

Alden Global Capital

The hedge fund that owns MediaNews Group and previously owned the Detroit News.

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The takeaway

The acquisition of the Detroit News by the larger USA TODAY Co. network represents a significant consolidation in the local news landscape, raising questions about the future editorial independence and competitive dynamics between the News and its longtime rival, the Detroit Free Press.