Business leaders, philanthropists hope to buy The Baltimore Sun and run it as local nonprofit

A rainbow streaks across the sky behind The Baltimore Sun's Port Covington offices.(Jerry Jackson)

A group of Baltimore philanthropists, businesspeople and the union representing journalists are again rallying support for an idea that’s long been floated but never materialized: regaining local ownership for The Baltimore Sun.

Now, with the latest campaign in full swing, even some of the players involved say they aren’t sure whether it’s a realistic pursuit or a well-intentioned but futile effort to preserve an iconic newspaper and local institution.

Robert C. Embry Jr., president of the Abell Foundation, informed the newspaper’s parent, Tribune Publishing Co., of the Maryland nonprofit’s interest in buying The Sun, but talks never got underway, said Ted Venetoulis, a spokesman and adviser to the effort.

“They gave us a friendly response, basically saying: We got your letter, we aren’t interested in selling right now, but stay in touch,” Venetoulis said. “I was the initial contact point, but the letter offering to buy came from Bob and the foundation. I am a born optimist and so is Bob, but at this point nothing has changed, so that’s where we are."

A Tribune Publishing spokesman said the company does not comment on merger and acquisition activity.

Venetoulis said the overture was delivered several months ago and made clear that the Abell Foundation had the money on hand to make the purchase without any concerns about financing.

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