Contributed photo/Andrew Birden
FORT KENT — Bangor Publishing Co. has obtained a second northern Maine news outlet, according to Todd Benoit, BDN president, who made the announcement March 1.
The BDN acquired the Fort Kent-based news website Fiddehead Focus and has hired its existing staff, Benoit said.
In November, the BDN announced it had acquired the weekly newspaper the St. John Valley Times, based in Madawaska.
On Tuesday, Benoit said the Fiddlehead Focus staff will join the current staff at the St. John Valley Times.
Previous owner Andrew Birden, who founded Fiddlehead Focus six years ago, has been named general manager of the BDN’s Northeast Publishing in Presque Isle, bringing his digital skills to the BDN’s weekly newspapers in Aroostook County, Benoit said.
“As an entrepreneur, this development makes the past six years worth all the effort,” Birden said Tuesday. “Bangor Publishing sees the opportunity that is up here just like I do, and I am excited to lead the way as we explore those opportunities and bring their benefits to all of our communities.”
Over the next several months the Fiddlehead Focus and St. John Valley Times will combine to provide a stronger newspaper and website for the St. John Valley, Benoit said.
“Andrew Birden and his staff at Fiddlehead Focus have done a wonderful job bringing local digital coverage to the St. John Valley, and we’re thrilled that they are becoming part of our team,” Benoit said. “Both Fiddlehead Focus and St. John Valley Times readers can expect to see more coverage of more places and events in the region across both print and Web.”
That coverage, according to Birden, will transcend borders.
“With the Fiddlehead Focus website and the deep roots of the St. John Valley Times, we have the skills, reputation and drive to create an information engine that will promote the interests of all our communities, whether in Maine, Quebec or New Brunswick,” he said. “It’s a challenge, but we are ready to create the rough draft of the history of the Acadia of the Lands and Forests.”
For the time being, the Fiddlehead Focus office in Fort Kent and the St. John Valley Times office in Madawaska — recently moved to a new Main Street location — both will remain open.
“Improved coverage with a stronger staff will bring greater attention to the importance of the valley to Aroostook County, to Maine and to the Acadian region,” Benoit said.
