Armstrong Williams, an African American media mogul, announces his acquisition of The Baltimore Sun, bringing diversity to the journalism industry.
In a significant development for media ownership, conservative commentator and entrepreneur Armstrong Williams, in partnership with Maryland businessman David Smith, has acquired The Baltimore Sun. The announcement, made on January 16, marks a return to local ownership for the renowned newspaper, which was previously owned by investment firm Alden Global Capital. The purchase comes a week after David D. Smith, chairman of Sinclair Broadcasting, acquired The Baltimore Sun in a private deal. Armstrong Williams, a prominent figure in conservative media, joins forces with Smith to steer the newspaper’s future, expressing a commitment to preserving and enhancing its 187-year-old legacy amid challenges faced by the industry.
Armstrong Williams, 61, is the owner of Howard Stirk Holdings, a broadcast company that operates seven television stations nationwide. He is also the host of “The Armstrong Williams Show,” a nationally syndicated program. Known for his staunch conservative viewpoints, Williams has used his platform to express his perspectives through columns and books, including titles like “What Black and White America Must Do Now” and “Crisis in the Classroom,” co-authored with former HUD Secretary Benjamin Carson and civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump.
In addition to his media ventures, Williams, along with Carson and Crump, launched an education advocacy non-profit named “Crisis in the Classroom” last year. This initiative reflects his broader commitment to influencing positive change beyond the media landscape. The financial details of Armstrong Williams’ ownership share remain undisclosed, but he emphasizes the shared goal with David Smith to strengthen local journalism in the Maryland area. Williams envisions a return to the core principles of journalism, stating, “We just want to get back to journalism,” and emphasizing the importance of the right partnership for the success of newspapers.
In a message posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump praised Williams for entering into the deal. Williams, in an interview, outlined his vision for The Baltimore Sun, using it as a platform to expand viewpoints and coverage important to the community. He reassures readers that the coverage will be fair, objective, and aimed at building trust. Despite Williams’ conservative background, he asserts that The Baltimore Sun under his ownership will have no agenda other than “making The Baltimore Sun the prize of this region.” Notably, Armstrong Williams is also a member of Sinclair Broadcasting Inc., a Maryland-based company known for its right-wing sensibility in news products.
In 2018, Sinclair Broadcasting made headlines when it ordered its anchors nationwide to read a statement echoing former President Donald Trump’s views on “fake news.” Williams, acknowledging his past involvement, revealed in 2005 that he was paid $240,000 by the Department of Education under President George W. Bush to promote initiatives on his syndicated television program and to other African Americans in the news media. However, he did not disclose these payments at the time of the agreement in 2003.
The acquisition of The Baltimore Sun by Armstrong Williams marks a new chapter for the newspaper, with a focus on community engagement, unbiased reporting, and a commitment to journalism’s fundamental principles. The partnership aims to demonstrate that newspapers can thrive with the right vision and collaboration in an ever-evolving media landscape.
