National Trust for Local News announced Tuesday it is selling 75% of its Colorado-based community newspapers to an Arizona-based media company.

The trust sold 21 of its publications to the Times Media Group — a for-profit company that owns and operates more than 60 publications in Arizona and California including weekly newspapers, magazines, specialty publications and digital publications — according to a statement release by Colorado Community Media, the nonprofit affiliate of the trust.

Times Media Group purchased newspapers like the Arvada Press, Littleton Independent and Parker Chronicle.

The National Trust held on to seven publications — the Brighton Standard-Blade, Fort Lupton Press, Canyon Courier, Clear Creek Courant, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Westminster Window and Golden Transcript.

“Through this strategic partnership with Times Media Group, we can reduce our footprint in greater Denver without reducing local journalism there, all while positioning ourselves to grow in the parts of Colorado where the need for our unique model is greatest,” Will Nelligan, chief growth officer at the National Trust for Local News, said in a statement. “While it wasn’t an easy decision, we think it’s a positive outcome from all perspectives that sets the stage for a more resilient, equitable and vibrant media ecosystem in the state.”

The National Trust acquired Colorado Community Media in 2021 and opened the Trust Press in Denver last fall. As part of the deal, Times Media Group will print its newly purchased papers through the printing press.

The majority of Colorado Community Media’s employees were offered positions with Times Media Group, while others will stay with the Colorado Trust for Local News, according to the post by Colorado Community Media.

On the other hand, Linda Shapley — a longtime Denver journalist who worked as the publisher and, later, editorial director for Colorado Community Media since 2021 — was let go as part of the transaction.

“Where we are in the industry is a really tough place right now,” Shapley told The Denver Gazette ahead of her last day on Friday. “(The media industry) has been dealing with challenges since 2022 in regards to the interest of printing, the rising cost of paper, the tariff wars and people feeling nervous. It’s a challenge across the board.”

She continued: “Journalism is necessary and so needed. Colorado Community Media has been a big part of providing that. I’m really proud for what we’ve done. We know that we need more.”

The deal was expected to close Wednesday.

“We couldn’t be more excited to serve the communities in Colorado. We know how much community news means in this state, and we understand the terrific legacy created over the years by these publications and their teams,” Steve Strickbine, president and founder of Times Media Group, said in a statement.