Jamie Greathead, longtime publisher and editor of The Fulton County News, has announced the sale of the Pennsylvania newspaper to media giant George “Scoop” Sample’s Tuscarora Media, part of the larger Sample News Group based in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
The sale, finalized this week, comes at a time when many rural newspapers face financial headwinds and declining circulation. Sample sees the transition as an opportunity to buck that trend. “Local news isn’t dying — it’s evolving,” he said.
Sample’s dedication to rural journalism continues to earn praise from publishing leaders. “Small weekly newspapers have no greater champion than Scoop Sample,” said News publisher Greathead. “His deep commitment to preserving local news is unmatched, and I’m confident The Fulton County News will thrive under his stewardship.”
“This paper has been the voice of Fulton County for over 130 years,” said Sample, who earned his nickname “Scoop” during his early days chasing news stories throughout Huntingdon County. “We’re not here to change its soul — we’re here to amplify it. Our goal is to preserve local reporting while giving readers more ways to connect with their community,”
Based in Shippensburg, Tuscarora Media includes the Shippensburg News Chronicle, the Newville Valley Star Times, the Mercersburg Journal, the Chambersburg Chronicle and now the Fulton County News.
Founded in 1891 the Fulton County News has been the source for local news and reporting, community happenings, public notices, history and hometown story telling for generations. John W. Greathead bought the paper from W. Kenneth Shaw in March of 1947 with the stated aim “to make the News the best hometown newspaper in the county.” He died December 31, 1958, at just 44 years of age. Following his death his wife Audrey P. Greathead stepped into the role of editor and publisher of the News in June. She edited the paper for the next 43 years until her death August 27, 2001.
The News purchased the county’s only other newspaper, The Fulton Journal, formerly the Fulton Democrat from the Guy Oakman family.
Audrey P. Greathead entered into joint ownership with her son Jamie S. Greathead in1971. The Fulton County News has been in the Greathead family for over 78 years.
Longtime readers can expect familiar faces and trusted coverage of breaking news, county government, three school boards, police and court news, columns, obituaries and all the news of Fulton County and her people.
The Sample News Group owns over 75 publications including the Huntingdon Daily News and the Bedford Gazette and papers across Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Vermont.
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