N.O. notables urge ‘Times-Pic’ owners to sell newspaper

A who’s who of notable New Orleans residents—including Archbishop Gregory Aymond, former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning, jazz artist Wynton Marsalis and Treme star Wendell Pierce—are reportedly pressing 22 members of the Newhouse family to sell The Times-Picayune, which has announced plans to move to a three-day-a-week publication schedule this fall. “If you have ever valued the friendship you have shared with our city and your loyal readers, we ask that you sell the Times-Picayune,” reads a letter from The Times-Picayune Citizens’ Group—which includes more than 70 businesses and community groups—to the Newhouse family. The Times-Picayune reports others signatories include Tulane University President Scott Cowen, Xavier University President Norman Francis, Loyola University President Kevin Wildes, restaurateur Ralph Brennan, and Saints and Hornets owner Tom Benson and his wife, Gayle. “Our city wants a daily printed paper, needs a daily printed paper and deserves a daily printed paper,” the letter says. A spokesperson for the citizens group says it has found a “willing buyer” for the paper but would not divulge a name or say how much money was being offered. Regardless, the sale request was immediately rejected by the paper’s owners. “We have read the letter with great respect and concern,” says Donald Newhouse, president of Advance Publications, owner of the paper. “Advance Publications has no intention of selling The Times-Picayune.” Read the full story here.