Shaw Media has purchased The Free Press Newspapers, which include the Braidwood Journal, Coal City Courant and Free Press Advocate, and has assumed ownership effective Oct. 1
The Free Press Newspapers, serving the communities of Braidwood, Coal City and Wilmington in southern Will County and southeastern Grundy County, were owned and operated by the Fisher family for more than 46 years.
“It’s time for a new chapter for the Free Press Newspapers. In our hearts we feel this is the best decision in order for our three weekly publications to continue,” publisher Eric Fisher said. “The transition comes during a period of considerable change for community newspapers nationwide, as longtime independent owners increasingly seek larger regional publishers and other ownership models capable of sustaining local journalism.”
“We’re very excited to welcome the Coal City Courant, Braidwood Journal and Wilmington Free Press to Shaw Media,” said John Rung, CEO of Shaw Media. “The Fisher family has built a strong legacy of community journalism, and we have tremendous respect for what Eric and his family have accomplished.
“We look forward to carrying on that legacy and continuing to provide these communities with trusted, locally focused news for many years to come.”
The first issue of the Free Press was published in 1975. George and Janet Fisher purchased the business on Aug. 1, 1980, after learning it was for sale. George Fisher had spent 20 years as publisher of the Evening Democrat in Fort Madison and previously owned a small weekly newspaper in Minnesota.
The Wilmington area’s small-town atmosphere and proximity to Chicago appealed to the Fishers, who were looking for a newspaper of their own and a community in which to raise their family.
The Fishers expanded Free Press Newspapers in 1997 with the purchase of newspapers owned by Mitch and Sheridan Bailey of Coal City. The acquisition included the Coal City Courant and Braidwood Journal, while a total-market-coverage publication eventually became the Prairie Shopper.
The Wilmington Advocate was merged with the Free Press to become the Free Press Advocate.
For 22 years, the company also published The Outdoor Times, a summertime recreation publication.
Through the changes, Free Press Newspapers remained focused on intensely local news coverage.
“We believe Shaw Media has a strong interest in keeping community newspapers alive,” Fisher said.
Shaw Media is a family-owned newspaper company with roots stretching back to 1851. It operates newspapers and digital publications throughout northern Illinois along with Illinois radio stations.
The company has expanded its footprint in recent years, including the acquisition of the Kankakee Daily Journal in 2024.
“We’ve witnessed Shaw’s commitment to community journalism and its investment in local reporting. We’re confident that emphasis will continue with our publications,” Fisher said.
Written by Michelle Meyer, Northwest Herald Reporter.
