5 Shocking Truths About The Boulder Daily Camera’s Hedge Fund Ownership

The Boulder Daily Camera, a cornerstone of Boulder County journalism since 1891, is currently navigating one of the most tumultuous periods in its 130-year history. As of December 15, 2025, the newspaper's primary narrative is a high-stakes battle between its mission to deliver vital local news and the severe cost-cutting measures imposed by its corporate owner.

The paper's struggle is a microcosm of the crisis facing local media across the United States. While the Daily Camera continues to report on crucial local issues like homelessness, the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) news, and city council decisions, its long-term stability is constantly questioned due to the financial strategies of its New York-based hedge fund parent company, fueling intense curiosity among readers about who truly controls their news.

The Boulder Daily Camera: A Profile in Print History and Modern Struggle

The Boulder Daily Camera has long been Boulder County's primary source of news, establishing a deep connection with the community. Its history spans major world events and pivotal local moments, including its extensive coverage of the infamous JonBenet Ramsey case.

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However, the newspaper’s profile has fundamentally changed in the 21st century due to a series of corporate acquisitions.

Key Facts and Corporate Structure

• Established: 1891, cementing its status as a historical institution in Boulder, Colorado.
• Current Owner: Prairie Mountain Publishing.
• Parent Company: Digital First Media (DFM).
• Ultimate Controller: Alden Global Capital. This New York-based hedge fund is notorious in the media industry for its aggressive cost-cutting model, often referred to as a "vulture fund."
• Sister Publications: The Daily Camera is part of a larger network of Colorado newspapers under Prairie Mountain Media, including the Longmont Times-Call, Denver Post, Loveland Reporter-Herald, and Broomfield Enterprise.

Editorial and Staff Status (Latest Updates)

The internal structure of the Daily Camera has been in flux. Recent reports indicate that the organization has been searching for a permanent editor and publisher, suggesting a period of leadership uncertainty at the highest levels.

Despite these challenges, key editorial roles continue to serve the community, such as Adam Dunivan, who holds the position of Print Sports Editor for both the Daily Camera and the Longmont Times-Call.

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The previous publisher, Al Manzi, was a figure during a period of significant reorganization and layoffs, a common practice under the current corporate ownership.

The Alden Global Capital Effect: How a Hedge Fund Reshaped Boulder's News

The most defining and controversial aspect of the Boulder Daily Camera's modern existence is its ownership by Alden Global Capital, which controls the newspaper through Digital First Media (DFM). This relationship has been a source of continuous public outcry and internal conflict, fundamentally altering the paper's physical and editorial landscape.

1. The Controversial Firing of Dave Krieger

The tension between the newsroom and its corporate owners exploded in 2018 with the firing of editorial page editor Dave Krieger. Krieger was dismissed after publishing a scathing essay on his personal blog that directly criticized DFM's management and its detrimental impact on local journalism.

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This event became a national symbol of a hedge fund prioritizing profit over journalistic quality, leading to accusations of "outright censorship" within the DFM network.

2. The Exodus from the Historic Building

In a tangible sign of the cost-cutting measures, the Daily Camera staff was relocated from its long-time, historic building in Boulder. The move, which saw staff shift into a smaller, less-prominent space, was a direct consequence of DFM's strategy to monetize real estate assets. For many in the community, this physical departure symbolized the corporate detachment from the local heart of Boulder. The paper's official mailing address is now a P.O. Box, further illustrating the lack of a prominent physical headquarters.

3. Constant Staff Reorganizations and Layoffs

Under DFM’s control, the Daily Camera has experienced multiple "reorganizations," which have invariably led to layoffs and a reduction in the size of the newsroom staff.

These cuts directly impact the paper's ability to cover its beat, forcing fewer journalists to cover a growing list of complex local issues, including the extensive coverage of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) and Boulder County government. The result is a thinner newspaper with less original reporting.

The Future of Local Journalism: New Competitors and The Digital Shift

The challenges facing the Daily Camera have created an opening for new, digitally-focused, and non-profit journalism models in the Boulder area. This shift is redefining how Boulderites consume their news and who they trust to deliver it.

The Rise of Boulder Reporting Lab

The most significant new entrant is the Boulder Reporting Lab (BRL), which launched in 2021. BRL is an independent, nonpartisan, and non-profit news organization focused on quality daily journalism.

The emergence of BRL, often staffed by former traditional newspaper journalists, is a direct response to the perceived decline in local coverage quality at the Daily Camera. This competition forces the Daily Camera to compete not just on historical prestige but on the depth and freshness of its reporting.

The Digital-First Strategy

The Daily Camera, through Prairie Mountain Publishing, has shifted its focus heavily toward its digital and e-Edition products. The e-Edition allows subscribers to view a digital replica of the printed newspaper, catering to both traditional readers and those who prefer a mobile experience.

While this digital shift is necessary for survival, it often fails to recapture the advertising revenue lost from print, continuing the financial strain imposed by its hedge fund owners.

Key Local Coverage in 2024/2025

Despite the internal struggles, the Daily Camera remains a primary source for major local stories. Recent coverage in 2024 and 2025 has included:

• In-depth reports on the changing dynamics of homelessness in Boulder County, including the notable decrease in the homeless population in 2024.
• Articles on the controversial renewal of the Flock license plate reader camera contract by Boulder Police.
• Reporting on financial losses and research grants at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder).
• Coverage of local arts and culture, such as the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) and other community events.

The Ongoing Battle for Boulder's Voice

The story of the Boulder Daily Camera is far from over. It is a daily testament to the resilience of local journalism in the face of corporate austerity. The newspaper continues its mission to inform the community, but the shadow of Alden Global Capital and Digital First Media looms large, defining its operational model and limiting its resources.

The future of the Daily Camera depends on its ability to maintain reader loyalty while navigating a competitive media landscape that now includes agile, non-profit entities like the Boulder Reporting Lab. For the people of Boulder, the question remains: Can a newspaper owned by a company focused solely on maximizing profit still serve the public interest? The answer is being written daily in the pages—both print and digital—of the Boulder Daily Camera.