Small-town newspapers are shutting down due to the lack of a succession plan, not financial issues, in nearly a dozen US states, a growing problem

Matthew Prince, co-founder of a $60 billion company, responds

Actually, this is a recipe for a really rewarding life if you’re a recent college grad not sure what to do: 

Find a small town you could love with a local newspaper whose owners are ready to retire. Raise the capital to buy it. Run it with the community’s interests at heart. You’ll not get rich, but you’ll do well. 

More importantly you’ll be a hero to the community and have influence even early in your career. You’ll meet the love of your life at some event you wouldn’t otherwise get invited to. Have kids who will be proud to call you their parent. And make your corner of the world meaningfully better. 

If anyone wants to seriously follow this recipe and just lacks the capital, happy to talk…

I have untold financial wealth, and I own a local newspaper, so have some perspective…

always remember: Rupert Murdoch’s empire began with the Adelaide Advertiser which he bought when he was 21.