Dallas, OR – Scott and Jeanne Olson have sold the Polk County Itemizer-Observer, Dallas, Oregon to Country Media, Inc.
John Cribb of Cribb, Cope & Potts represented the Olson family in the sale. Terms were not disclosed.
“I would like to thank the loyal readers and advertisers who have supported the Itemizer-Observer the past three and a half years,” Scott Olson said. “It has been a pleasure to have been the caretaker of the I-O and I foresee Country Media as a great company to lead the I-O into the future. I would also like to thank all of the employees and volunteers who have helped make the I-O a success under my leadership.”
Country Media, founded in 2000, is a family-run company focusing on local journalism. Carol and husband Steve Hungerford oversee the business from the central office in Salem. Veteran newspaper executive David Thornberry serves as Country Media’s chief executive.
“Carol and I are longtime Oregon residents and know full well what Dallas and the surrounding communities mean to this state and its residents,” said Steve Hungerford. “Being involved with these newspapers is a very meaningful step for us and our colleagues.”
“We’re grateful to Scott Olson for the opportunity to build on the heritage here,” added Carol Hungerford.
“We’re committed to sustaining our family of newspapers for many years to come.”
The Olson family were represented by John Cribb of Cribb, Cope & Potts. CCP is a leading merger and acquisition firm with offices in Montana, California and Arkansas.
