Stephens Media sells papers to company led by ex-RJ publisher

Stephens Media LLC on Tuesday announced the sale of the Ely Times and the Eureka Sentinel, both weekly newspapers, to a newly formed Nevada company, Battle Born Media -- Ely LLC.

Terms of the transaction weren't disclosed.

Battle Born Media LLC is headed by Sherman Frederick, former publisher of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

"We have appreciated the opportunity to serve the residents of this important region of Nevada for many years," Stephens Media Chief Executive Officer Michael Ferguson said.

Frederick said, "We look forward to this exciting opportunity. Our intent is to bring a hyperlocal news focus to these newspapers."

Stephens Media's predecessor, Donrey Media Group, acquired the Ely Times in 1951 and the Eureka Sentinel in May 2004. Kent Harper, the current general manager of the newspapers, will be relocating to another Stephens Media position.

Kirk Kern will become the new chief operating officer of Battle Born Media and publisher of the newspapers. He is a former editor of the View neighborhood newspapers, which are published by Stephens Media.