St. Albans Messenger sold

Jim O’Rourke is buying the St. Albans Messenger (Vermont), co-publishers Emerson and Suzanne Lynn announced.

The Lynns will stay on with the paper going forward, according to the paper.

O’Rourke, of Naperville, Illinois, was previously president of World Book, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary with an e-learning focus. He also worked for Digital First Media and GateHouse in years past. From 2003 to 2005, O’Rourke was circulation director of the Burlington Free Press (Vermont).

“We consider ourselves to be fortunate in two key respects,” the Lynns said in a statement. “First is the honor of working along-side an incredible staff and the people of St. Albans and Franklin County for almost four decades. Second, is being able to partner with Jim O’Rourke who has an outstanding track record of success in the industry, someone who values community journalism and someone who has a strong sense of integrity. Jim will be a wonderful match with our team, the Franklin County community, and the state of Vermont.”

“I’m looking forward to being back in Vermont and am encouraged by the strength of the Messenger’s brand and the role it plays in Franklin County and in the state. That’s something I want to build upon,” O’Rourke told the paper.

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