01/28/2026
Detroit Guild calls on USA Today Co. to protect Detroit News jobs, contract
DETROIT — Media News Group announced on Monday it is selling The Detroit News to USA Today Co., the largest newspaper owner in the U.S. and owner of the Detroit Free Press.
For decades, both The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press participated in a joint operating agreement that was designed to keep the two competitors in business. The newsrooms were independent, but USA Today Co. oversaw the business operations of both papers. The JOA ended at the end of 2025 and both companies publicly stated they planned to operate separately at the beginning of 2026.
At a time of increasing artificial intelligence-generated content and threats to local news, the sale of The Detroit News raises questions about the future of the newspapers and the future of journalism in Michigan’s largest city. USA Today Co. has extended job offers to Detroit News employees and said it will continue to publish the papers separately, but has said it will not honor Detroit News Guild members’ current contract and will imposed initial terms and conditions of employment.
“USA Today must support Detroit News Guild members during this acquisition by agreeing to a fair contract that preserves our rights, pay and benefits,” said Carol Thompson, The Detroit News unit leader and environment reporter. “Our work is essential. We break news, keep our communities informed and keep our leaders accountable. It is imperative that USA Today supports our members so we can continue to do this essential work.”
“The company formerly known as Gannett said readers can expect continued delivery of high-quality news and that is only possible by keeping and respecting the journalists who made the News and Free Press the trusted sources they are today,” said NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss. “The entire NewsGuild-CWA stands with our members in Detroit and demands that USA Today Co. agree to fair terms and treat journalists with respect.”
