Media group to buy Gannett newspapers in Aurora, Neosho

Provided by Sexton Media Group Inc.

Rhonda and Jimmy Sexton own Sexton Media Group, which is buying Neosho Daily News.

A Neosho-based media group is buying two regional newspapers from Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

Sexton Media Group Inc. penned a deal for undisclosed terms to acquire the Aurora Advertiser and Neosho Daily News, effective Sept. 1, according to a news release. Sexton Media plans to merge the Aurora Advertiser into Neosho Daily News upon completion of the deal since the papers serve the same region, said Jimmy Sexton, who co-owns the media group with his wife, Rhonda.

"The Neosho Daily News has a cherished history of promoting the people, businesses and organizations that make Neosho and the surrounding communities such a wonderful place to live and do business," Jimmy Sexton said in the release. "This acquisition and merger will greatly benefit our readers and advertisers, allowing them to find the local news and stories that are important to them and their families all in one place, as well as providing advertisers one local media outlet to promote their business."

The papers’ circulation is roughly 2,500, he said.

A newspaper industry veteran of 34 years, Sexton established the Neosho Post weekly newspaper in the 1990s and sold it in 2001 to the company that owned the Neosho Daily News at the time, according to the release.

Sexton Media Group owns The News-Dispatch in Newton County and the River Hills Traveler outdoors and travel magazine. Sexton, who also has a photography studio, additionally opened the Neosho Event Center in 2018.