Times buys Tampa Trib

News release on TBT Twitter and Romenesko
Wow

 

Tampa Bay Times buys and folds the Tampa Tribune

 

As former Highlands Today staffer, I was on the outside of the rivalry, but it's a sad day in Tampa for a lot of good people.

 

Three words come to mind. HEADS WILL ROLL!!!!!

 

Times has been on its own deathbead recently, so hope this strengthens both in the long run.

 

Some in the building expected this news to break yesterday.
I expect the Times to grab Fennelly and maybe a pro writer. Times still has the pro sports writer opening ... and technically the sports editor opening. Can't imagine this is good news for copy desks or assignment editors.
Not surprised at which side won.

 

I am stunned.

Reaction to follow.

 

Sad day for Florida journalism. It was a heck of a battle back in the day.

 

Me too. Having worked for both and having had many family and friends on both sides, this is a strange feeling. And since I am currently on the side of the "losers" (thanks for that!), it's kind of a sick feeling.

 

Good luck to you, BDC.

 

I clicked "like" on your post. Obviously, I don't like it but there's no dislike button. (You know what I mean.)

I'm devastated, even though I've been gone 16 years. Working there helped me become who I am, professionally.

I'm also a little bit galled that the Tribune doesn't even get the courtesy of a final edition.

I'm also worried for my friends and former colleagues — some of them actual family, some of them who are like family — who worked there until two hours ago.

I'm gutted that 120-plus years of history are just that — history.

I'm mightily pissed that the owner, Revolution Capital, which promised it was in it "for the long haul," decided that 3 years equals a long haul.

I'm still processing the news. This is a dark, dark day in Tampa.