Postmedia Acquires Irving-Owned Newspapers in New Brunswick
In a deal amounting to $15.1 million, Postmedia has made arrangements with Irving to purchase their New Brunswick newspaper chain.
On February 17, in a press release, Postmedia announced that they would be purchasing Brunswick News Inc., a part of J.D. Irving Ltd., for $7.5 million in cash and $8.6 million in shares.
Jim Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, acknowledged the deal publicly.
“We are pleased that Postmedia, one of Canada’s largest media organizations, will acquire all of our newspapers and media products through the purchase of Brunswick News, which represents an exit from the media business by J.D. Irving, Limited. Postmedia is well positioned to make the transition to the digital world of providing New Brunswickers with a reliable source of local, regional, and national news as well as access to much broader news coverage.”
Postmedia is a Canadian company specializing in news media and representing over 120 publications across online, print, and mobile platforms.
“Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach, and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences,” read the press release.
The Brunswickan is proud to never have been owned by the Irvings, and welcomes this new chapter in New Brunswick news media.
New Brunswickers Fear Over the Move to Level 1
On February 9, New Brunswick announced that the province would move to Level 1 of the Winter Action Plan on February 18 at midnight.
The University of New Brunswick released a statement on February 18, discussing the institution’s plans for the change in levels.
Alongside Public Health, the university plans to adhere to loosened restrictions while “protecting the well-being of the community and province.”
UNB outlined the following in the email sent to students:
- Study spaces are available on campus for students to use for remote learning.
- UNB Libraries will remain closed to the public. You must show proof that you are a member of the UNB community to enter any library on campus by tapping or showing your UCard, UCard Mobile ID, or UNBSafe vaccination status.
- Proof of vaccination is required to access non-essential services on campus. If you are unvaccinated, you may attend classes, lectures, and labs if you are enrolled in the COVID testing program.
- Rapid test kits are available for UNB students, faculty, and staff who are symptomatic or are enrolled in the testing program.
- Until further notice, medical documentation is not required for COVID-related absences such as testing positive or if you are symptomatic. We encourage you to stay home when you are experiencing COVID-related symptoms or feeling unwell.
- If you are symptomatic, stay home and get tested. Learn more about what to do if you are symptomatic, COVID positive, or required to isolate.
- Food services on campus are available with increased capacity.
- No changes to travel programs and university-related travel policy. Current travel guidelines and policies will be in place for the remainder of the term.
Face mask requirements remain the same, though medical masks are no longer required. Students may choose a mask that best fits their situation and comfort level.