SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Union-Tribune, the region's daily newspaper, is getting evicted from its downtown office for failing to pay rent.
In July 2023, the Union-Tribune's owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, sold the daily to Alden Capital's MediaNews Group, which runs hundreds of community newspapers throughout the country for an undisclosed amount.
Alden Capital has, according to numerous media reports, had a long-running practice of buying newspapers and other publications and slashing staff to maximize profits.
Since Alden Capital's takeover, several reporters, some of whom had been at the paper for decades, have left by opting for severance packages.
Now, the UT's landlord is looking to recoup what it says is required in the lease.
In the December 7 unlawful detainer complaint, the owner of the Union-Tribune's downtown office building is suing for nearly $220,000 in back rent.
Attached to the eviction complaint is an October 9, 2023, letter from the high-rise's owner to the Union-Tribune.
Reads the letter, "Tenant has failed to pay Rent when due as required by the Lease. As of October 9, 2023, the current amount due to Landlord totals $218,950.70. This amount consists of Base Rent, Operating Expenses, and late charges for the period through and including October 2023, as set forth in the rent statement attached."
CBS 8 reached out to the Union-Tribune editor, Alden Capital's MediaNews Group's attorneys, as well as other company representatives for comment on the unpaid rent as well as how if at all, this could impact the paper's operations. However, no one responded to the request for comment. The story will be updated when Alden Capital or the Union-Tribune responds.
