Have you ever dreamed of owning and publishing a small-town newspaper while also investing in a highly visible Main Street property in rural Montana? This is a rare opportunity to purchase The Times Leader along with the building that serves as its headquarters in the heart of Fairfield, Montana. What is now The Times Leader has evolved from The Fairfield Sun Times, The Sun Valley Sun and the Fairfield Times, originally established in 1916. Small towns remain incredibly loyal to their local newspapers, and this publication enjoys strong community support throughout the region. Since taking over in 2007, the seller has grown the paper to approximately 430 subscribers with distribution reaching Augusta, Fairfield, Choteau, Sun River, Simms, Vaughn and Great Falls. Advertising revenue has historically been strong, at times reaching as much as 80 percent of the paper’s income. In addition to the regular publication, the business produces specialty editions and programs for local events including the Augusta Rodeo, graduations and swim day, along with printing services such as NCR forms, custom envelopes and carbon forms. Additional revenue is generated through an association with newspapers.com, which catalogs newspapers. The sale includes office furniture, shelving, equipment and supplies necessary to continue operations, including a Risograph G3750, Martin Yale paper folder, paper drill, bindery stapler, padding machine, paper cutter, plastic binder, microfilm reader and bound historic editions of the Fairfield Sun Times, Sun Valley Sun and Wheat Center Newspaper. Seller is willing to assist with the transition to help a new owner step into the business smoothly. The building itself offers a prime Main Street location and was built in 1964. Inside the approximately 2,300-square-foot building, you’ll find a reception area with metal wainscoting and built-in shelving, two offices, storage space, a large flex room, a full bathroom with tub and shower, and an oversized garage with access to owned alley parking. Flooring is sturdy carpet and concrete, and portions of the roof and siding are metal. Fairfield is an incorporated city and this property is located in Zone 6. Unlike many neighboring communities, Fairfield allows commercial properties to be converted to residential use, opening the door to mixed-use possibilities, residential conversion, business-only use or even a nightly rental opportunity in a town with limited lodging options.
