• by Ray Schultz , April 13, 2025

Hearst seems poised to acquire The (Santa Rosa) Press Democrat and other publications after union workers voted to waive their contract with the existing ownership, NPR reports. 

It is not clear that the contract, which expires in August 2026, would be recognized by Hearst. 

The waiver was one of “a couple of very imperfect outcomes,” says Phil Barber, a reporter and union member. 

Hearst will be acquiring Sonoma Media Investments, owner of ThePress Democrat,Sonoma Index Tribune,Petaluma Argus Courier and other periodicals, according to the Sonoma Valley Sun.

The Press Democrat was owned by the New York Times Company for a period of time and sold to Halifax Media Group in 2011, and then Sonoma Media Investments in 2012