Colorado Springs Independent Faces Staff Layoffs and New Ownership Amid Uncertain Future

Colorado Springs Independent Faces Uncertain Future After Staff Layoffs

The Colorado Springs Independent, an alternative weekly newspaper with a challenging two-year history, experienced a sudden and unexpected round of layoffs on Monday. The small team was left reeling after staff members were abruptly let go without severance, a decision that shocked those involved with the publication, especially given its recent revival in May 2023.

The Independent, together with the Colorado Springs Business Journal, is undergoing a transition in ownership. This represents the latest upheaval for the newspaper, which has now experienced three significant changes in management in just two years. The future of the Independent remains uncertain, leaving many to speculate about the possibility of its return and the accessibility of existing digital archives for the public.

Background on Ownership Changes

In late 2023, the Independent halted publication due to severe financial issues, compounded by a poorly executed rebranding effort and a shift to a nonprofit structure. Two months later, local entrepreneurs Kevin O’Neil and JW Roth stepped in to purchase both the Independent and the Business Journal, promising a new chapter for the outlets.

The duo founded the Pikes Peak Media Company to oversee the newly rebranded Independent, appointing former Summit Daily News editor Ben Trollinger as editor-in-chief while retaining publisher Fran Zankowski. In Trollinger’s first editorial, he expressed a commitment to earning the trust of the Independent’s audience through “fearless, sometimes polarizing, reporting.”

Challenges Arise Under New Ownership

Despite initial optimism, the relationship between the staff and the owners quickly became strained. Both O’Neil and Roth were heavily invested in various city projects that drew criticism from the community, raising questions about the publication’s editorial independence. O’Neil’s proposed downtown apartment tower, which would have been the city’s tallest structure, was met with resistance from residents concerned about the skyline. Meanwhile, Roth faced backlash over the construction of the Ford Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue.

Trollinger noted that while the owners did not directly influence news coverage, their prominent roles in local development made it difficult for the newspaper to remain detached. The financial instability of the two publications heightened tensions, with increasing impatience from the owners regarding the staff’s ability to align with their interests.

The Latest Acquisition

This week, the Colorado Media Group, which oversees content for other local publications, announced the acquisition of the Independent and the Business Journal. CMG owner Dirk Hobbs expressed his surprise at the immediate layoffs and offered sympathy towards the affected staff. “It’s shell shock, right?” he remarked.

Hobbs informed that a majority of the Independent’s previous staff members have expressed interest in continuing under his ownership. The direction for the Business Journal is established, but Hobbs remains uncertain about the Independent’s future. He emphasized the intent to maintain its focus on the arts and dining scene within the city while gathering community feedback on how to proceed.

Reflections on the Future

Amidst the uncertainty, Pam Zubeck, a veteran reporter for the Independent, shared her thoughts on the brand’s viability. While she appreciated the new leadership, she noted that it did not replicate the legacy of the outlet she once contributed to. “I wouldn’t know why you’d want to keep the Independent name, because it’d be confusing to people depending on what the new owner wants to do with it,” Zubeck commented.

She expressed hope that Hobbs would ensure the restoration of the Independent’s online archives, a valuable resource for the community that has languished in recent years. “That would be the best community service that could be done,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of preserving the significant stories the Independent was known for over its 30-year history.