CherryRoad Media Expands Presence by Acquiring The Carrollton Democrat Newspaper
On January 28, 2026, CherryRoad Media officially completed its acquisition of The Carrollton Democrat, a local newspaper deeply rooted in Carrollton, Missouri. This acquisition signifies a pivotal change in the local media landscape, as it transitions The Carrollton Democrat away from Main Street Media, which will now focus solely on its operations in Kansas and Nebraska.
The Carrollton Democrat has been a trusted news source for over a century, providing local communities with essential news coverage, sports updates, and civic reporting since its inception in the late 1800s. Frank Mercer, the publisher of Main Street Media, expressed mixed emotions regarding the sale, reflecting on his 40-year journey with the publication, from employee to owner. He emphasized that finding the right new steward was critical, and CherryRoad Media's reputation for supporting community newspapers during challenging times made them the ideal choice for this transition.
CherryRoad Media has been making waves in the newspaper industry since late 2020, when it first ventured into the market by acquiring the Cook County News-Herald in Minnesota. Since then, it has broadened its influence across 18 states, not only taking ownership of newspapers but also offering management services to other publishing entities.
Jeremy Gulban, CEO of CherryRoad Media, remarked on the importance of community newspapers, stating that they are vital for local democracy and civic engagement. CherryRoad intends to uphold the legacy of The Carrollton Democrat by fostering strong local journalism while implementing sustainable operational practices. The company's approach to ownership is characterized as patient and responsible, aimed at building resilient local news operations in an era marked by unprecedented challenges.
Founded in 1983, CherryRoad Technologies, the parent company of CherryRoad Media, specializes in complex technology solutions, particularly for state and local government sectors. Gulban noted that the decision to expand into the local news arena stems from a belief that community journalism needs supportive, tech-driven solutions rather than disruptive forces to survive and thrive.
The transaction was facilitated by Dirks, Van Essen and April, a respected media merger and acquisition firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but the change is expected to invigorate The Carrollton Democrat and bolster local journalism, ensuring that the voices of Carrollton and surrounding communities continue to be heard.
CherryRoad Media's commitment to community journalism is further reflected in its operational strategies designed to ensure that local papers can endure and flourish amid ongoing industry challenges. The Carrollton Democrat will continue to provide its audience with the reliable coverage they expect, while benefiting from the resources and support offered by CherryRoad Media.
As the media industry evolves, the acquisition of The Carrollton Democrat marks a new chapter for both CherryRoad Media and the communities it serves. It symbolizes hope, resilience, and the persistent need for dedicated journalism that prioritizes the community over corporate interests. The journey of The Carrollton Democrat is a testament to the enduring power of local news, guided by the belief that informed communities are empowered communities.
The Carrollton Democrat has been a trusted news source for over a century, providing local communities with essential news coverage, sports updates, and civic reporting since its inception in the late 1800s. Frank Mercer, the publisher of Main Street Media, expressed mixed emotions regarding the sale, reflecting on his 40-year journey with the publication, from employee to owner. He emphasized that finding the right new steward was critical, and CherryRoad Media's reputation for supporting community newspapers during challenging times made them the ideal choice for this transition.
CherryRoad Media has been making waves in the newspaper industry since late 2020, when it first ventured into the market by acquiring the Cook County News-Herald in Minnesota. Since then, it has broadened its influence across 18 states, not only taking ownership of newspapers but also offering management services to other publishing entities.
Jeremy Gulban, CEO of CherryRoad Media, remarked on the importance of community newspapers, stating that they are vital for local democracy and civic engagement. CherryRoad intends to uphold the legacy of The Carrollton Democrat by fostering strong local journalism while implementing sustainable operational practices. The company's approach to ownership is characterized as patient and responsible, aimed at building resilient local news operations in an era marked by unprecedented challenges.
Founded in 1983, CherryRoad Technologies, the parent company of CherryRoad Media, specializes in complex technology solutions, particularly for state and local government sectors. Gulban noted that the decision to expand into the local news arena stems from a belief that community journalism needs supportive, tech-driven solutions rather than disruptive forces to survive and thrive.
The transaction was facilitated by Dirks, Van Essen and April, a respected media merger and acquisition firm based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, but the change is expected to invigorate The Carrollton Democrat and bolster local journalism, ensuring that the voices of Carrollton and surrounding communities continue to be heard.
CherryRoad Media's commitment to community journalism is further reflected in its operational strategies designed to ensure that local papers can endure and flourish amid ongoing industry challenges. The Carrollton Democrat will continue to provide its audience with the reliable coverage they expect, while benefiting from the resources and support offered by CherryRoad Media.
As the media industry evolves, the acquisition of The Carrollton Democrat marks a new chapter for both CherryRoad Media and the communities it serves. It symbolizes hope, resilience, and the persistent need for dedicated journalism that prioritizes the community over corporate interests. The journey of The Carrollton Democrat is a testament to the enduring power of local news, guided by the belief that informed communities are empowered communities.
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