Sadness As SoVo and The Blade Shut Down, Hope For Resurrection As New Papers

11/18/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
NoMedia This past Monday, two of the most prominent LGBT newspapers folded in addition to numerous other smaller publications. The loss of the Southern Voice and the Washington Blade left a gaping wound in the official dissemination of information regarding LGBT related issues. While both papers are going to try to rise from the ashes, the damage, for the time being, has been done. Both papers have been among the strongest of the voices in the LGBT movement with the Blade going back forty years.

Steve Myers, publisher of the Southern Voice and David Atlanta had this to say upon the shutting down of the two publications in Atlanta:

“As far as the circumstances that have led to the operations of Window and Unite Media to being closed down, I can’t speak to that. Unfortunately, the closing of the company was a circumstance we could not control. We wish we could have been in each market to talk to the employees on Monday and not surprise them with the notice that was posted. However, as former officers and employees of the companies, our fiduciary duty required us to secure all assets. Unfortunately there were only two of us and three offices. We cannot answer any logistical questions at this time. We can only wish the best for every employee and for the community in general and hope that the voice that the community has relied on for so many years will not be quieted for very long.”

Window and Unite Media will be filing for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. This means that the businesses and all their subsidiaries will be shuttered. Avalon Equity Fund, the owners of Window and Unite, was seized by the Small Business Administration after they failed to continue to meet the terms of the $39 million loan that they received in 2000. They have been in receivership since 2008. According to the SBA, the decision to shutter the papers was entirely that of Window and Unite, but they have not produced the legal documentation that they had given that authority over to them. According to the court order, the SBA has the right to determine the fate of all publications.

Mike Kitchens (back to camera), Steve Myers

The decision to shutter both papers is baffling given that there were already people interested in buying both papers. Chris Cash, the former owner of SoVo, contacted the SBA about possibly buying back the paper that she had owned from 1988 to 1996. Ms Cash was, apparently, never given the opportunity to prove that she was a viable candidate to purchase back her old newspaper. Nicholas Benton, publisher of the Falls Church News-Press had been contacted by Window to let him know that he was the winning bidder for the Washington Blade. That was six weeks ago.

Chris Cash has already gotten in touch with Laura Douglas-Brown, the former editor of SoVo, in order to begin raising funds to bring the paper back. The editors and staff of the Blade are already doing the same as well. Neither paper can, in all honesty, be brought back to life as they were due to the financial problems that they face. Instead, new papers will have to be created. This may take some time.

Former Southern Voice staffer Dyana Bagby sent this to LGR’s staff:

About a dozen former Southern Voice and David Atlanta magazine staffers gathered at their office today to gather their belongings. While the mood was somber, there was some light-hearted laughter among co-workers as well. Matt Schafer, reporter at SoVo, had everyone sign his large rainbow flag. The former staff of the publications gathered at approximately 11 a.m. at the office on Zonolite Road. Yellow tape stuck to orange pylons had signs that stated “No Media.” At least one TV truck was there from a local station. Mike Kitchens and Steve Myers, co-presidents of Window Media, held a meeting with the former employees at about 12:30 for approximately a half-hour.

Everyone had until 2 p.m. to get belongings out.

Steve Myers said: “The reason we weren’t here Monday is we only have two officers three offices (Atlanta, DC and Fort Lauderdale) and we had to secure assets. We would have loved to been here and Ft Lauderdale and not wait until Wed. So I apologize for that.”

Unfortunately they will not be able to pay us for four weeks. Archives are going to be tried to be saved. Still considered lien holder asset. Will be asking to keep them. Editor Laura Douglas Brown said local archivists and libraries are interested in everything we have.

No one asked questions.

Mike Kitchens: “We (he and Myers) are no longer employees (of Window Media) but we are forced to be doing a lot of wrap up. Just from a personal note, this is painful and not intentional by any means. We did not know until Saturday Night this was course of action we would have to take. I just had to say that. … [W]e were trying to get to next point and sell and keep the mission going. For 90 percent of you, this is not just a job, but a mission. We Know through the bounced paychecks, the holding paychecks, it was hard. And when it fell apart in June and July when Unger left, we tried.”

Steve Myers: (Broke down in tears.)

“When I came back in may (after being out for several months due to cancer), I was so excited. Working with everyone was so wonderful. This is biggest let down for us.” He said it would have been easier if we all had come in yelling this morning and telling them how horrible they were. (Personal note: There was no anger. There was sadness, hugging with former employees, and even some laughter) You all have done everything. Anything I can do for anyone I will. I dreaded this morning. Again, I’m sorry.”

Myers also said: “The proudest I am is we had a wonderful Pride … I wish it could have continued.”

What happened:

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Laura Douglas-Brown Making Leaving An Archive Note

The business were up for sale. There were different liens against the assets leaving few options, Myers said.

Option No. 1 would have been foreclosure and that didn’t happen
Option No. 2. File for chapter 11, but that is a very costly endeavor and a cost the company was unable to bear
Option 3. File chapter 7 and close.
Option 4. Try to keep going, but there was not enough cash to pay employees or creditors or bills.
So only option was chapter 7.

As both papers shut down, the hope is that the archive of materials that they have collected over the years will be preserved.

The newspapers have been in a state of flux since David Unger, the owner of Avalon Equity left to pursue a career in the financial sector. In his wake, he left some of the strongest voices in the LGBT movement in tatters.

The resurrection of both papers depends on several factors, most notable of them is finances. The new papers may find it easier to compete, as well, in a new media world where the internet can be just as important as the print venue. While the papers have been silenced, it would be impossible to believe that the voices of those who have been such strong advocates and reporters of LGBT issues over the last several decades will remain silent.

Our thanks to Dyana Bagby who provided the pictures and information as well as the Atlanta Progressive News and Gay City News for additional background information.