Santa Barbara News-Press Finds New Future as Local Nonprofit with NEWSWELL Partnership
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara News-Press is embarking on a new chapter under nonprofit stewardship after years of financial struggles, controversy, and uncertainty. Following its bankruptcy filing in 2023, the paper’s assets and archives have been secured by local philanthropists and entrusted to organizations dedicated to preserving its historical and journalistic legacy.
This development follows a tumultuous period for the News-Press and its former owner, Wendy McCaw, who was found in contempt of court in July 2024. McCaw’s management faced criticism for labor disputes and financial instability, which ultimately led to the paper’s closure.
“It’s going to get a second life,” said journalist Jerry Roberts. “Things looked pretty grim for a while, so the possibility that it could be reinvigorated and re-energized is just great.”
Roberts, a former executive editor of the News-Press who, along with many colleagues, resigned in 2006 over allegations of ownership interference with editorial independence, will serve on NEWSWELL’s advisory committee.
In April 2024, former Santa Barbara News-Press paperboy Ben Romo purchased the paper’s digital assets—including its website, trademark, and social media accounts—at auction through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Romo’s acquisition was driven by a desire to keep the News-Press under local control and preserve the community’s access to its journalistic heritage.
“It was a real loss when the News-Press went bankrupt and shut down,” Romo said.
In September 2024, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum successfully bid on the paper’s physical archives, ensuring the preservation of these historically significant materials. Romo and the museum worked together to safeguard both the physical and digital archives for future generations.
“We heard from folks who’ve been part of the local media for years about the value of the News-Press archives from a historical perspective,” Romo said. “That’s really what got us involved in the first place.”
The bankruptcy proceedings also included an October 2024 auction of the News-Press’ printing equipment. Items such as forklifts, tools, computers, heavy-duty storage containers, and ladders were sold to satisfy creditors.
While Romo explored various options for the paper’s future, he ultimately chose to donate the News-Press business to NEWSWELL, a nonprofit organization founded in March 2024 to transform local journalism. NEWSWELL, affiliated with Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, provides critical operational support to struggling local news outlets, including finance, IT, HR, legal services, and expertise in audience building, membership, and advertising.
ASU, recognized as the nation’s most innovative university for 10 consecutive years, launched NEWSWELL as part of its mission to advance research and discovery for public value and to assume responsibility for the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
NEWSWELL is piloting three prototype sites—Stocktonia, Times of San Diego, and the Santa Barbara News-Press—to develop a sustainable model for local journalism. According to Nicole Carroll, executive director of NEWSWELL and professor at the Cronkite School, the organization will rebuild the News-Press as a locally focused digital news outlet while retaining its legacy name.
“We will work with the Santa Barbara community to understand its local news needs and shape the next iteration of the News-Press, one of California’s oldest newspapers,” Carroll said.
Under NEWSWELL’s leadership, the News-Press will be managed by local editors, reporters, and staff, with guidance from a local advisory board to ensure it remains connected to the community. Mi-Ai Parrish, managing director at ASU, confirmed that the News-Press will keep its iconic name as it transitions into an online platform.
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum, now the custodian of the physical archives, is seeking community support to preserve these materials. Tax-deductible donations can be made at www.sbhistorical.org.
NEWSWELL will provide strategic support to the News-Press, including operational resources such as finance, IT, HR, audience-building, advertising, and membership services. The organization’s goal is to create a sustainable news outlet staffed by local reporters and dedicated to delivering community-focused, unbiased journalism.
“I think Ben Romo and his group are really the heroes here,” Roberts said.
The revival of the Santa Barbara News-Press represents an important step forward for local journalism, ensuring that its legacy endures while adapting to the needs of a digital-first era.