Pasadena Weekly’s Parent Company Buys Los Angeles Downtown News

Southland Publishing, the Pasadena-based media group that publishes the Pasadena Weekly, has purchased Los Angeles Downtown News, which has been covering Downtown L.A. for 45 years, Downtown News reported late last week.

“We’re purchasing a sophisticated property and are pleased to bring the L.A. Downtown News into our family of media,” David Comden, Southland Vice President, told the paper. “Downtown Los Angeles has emerged as the most dynamic urban market on the West Coast and its future is very bright. The addition of L.A. Downtown News will greatly complement our coverage in greater Pasadena and the Westside of Los Angeles.”

Southland Publishing, founded in 1997, has media properties throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and Ventura counties and in five states. Aside from Pasadena Weekly, Southland also owns The Argonaut, Arroyo Monthly and Playa Vista Direct which it says has a combined reach of more than 300,000 readers in Los Angeles County.

Downtown News lists an audited weekly circulation of 40,000 with 795 distribution locations in 16 neighborhoods. It has an online version, www.downtownnews.com, a daily email newsletter, an engaged social media fan base and a pair of high-profile annual magazines: the Downtown Guide and the Restaurant Guide.

Since 1972, Downtown News has been under the helm of founder, Editor and Publisher Sue Laris, who announced her intent to sell the paper last fall.

After the sale, Laris said she “couldn’t have hoped for a better hand-off.”

“It was key we find a buyer that understands and appreciates local newspapers,” Laris said. “With Southland as the owner, Downtown News will remain the independent voice of Downtown Los Angeles.”

The report said Comden will serve as Downtown News’ publisher. Downtown News will continue to be headquartered in its building on First Street in Los Angeles.