Maine's media magnate can put two more notches on his belt, with the purchase of the Ellsworth American and the Mt. Desert Islander newspapers.
These additions will bring Reade Brower's local news stable to a total of 25 Maine newspapers, including the Portland Press Herald.
Alan Baker, the 88-year-old owner of the two Hancock County weeklies, says multiple news presses in multiple communities can't stay viable in the age of internet advertising and publishing.
"So you will continue to see, I believe, intelligent consolidation,” he says.
Baker says Brower is no William Randolph Hearst, and has a deserved reputation for keeping his hands off newsrooms' daily operations.
Brower could not be reached for comment.