Wick Communications announces sale of Frontiersman to Mat-Su Sentinel

Wick Communications, owner of the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, announced the sale of frontiersman.com to the Mat-Su Sentinel.

With its headquarters in Wasilla, the Frontiersman has been a primary source of news for the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and surrounding communities for decades. The Frontiersman printed its first edition in 1947.

On June 1, the Frontiersman will become a digital-only publication, seamlessly incorporating into the Mat-Su Sentinel’s community digital news strategy.

“We could not have found a better successor. The Mat-Su Sentinel is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization dedicated entirely to serving the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Their mission is rooted in helping residents stay informed and connected through fact-based, community-focused reporting on local government, schools, public safety and community life,” Wick Chief Executive Officer Josh O’Connor said. “Wick has proudly owned and operated the Frontiersman since 1996, making this transition incredibly meaningful for our longstanding local readers, subscribers, and advertisers who have supported us for decades. Above all, it returns the stewardship and future of the Frontiersman to local Alaskan hands.”

The Sentinel is led by founder and editor Amy Bushatz, a 10-year veteran of the Mat-Su Borough. Bushatz previously served as the executive editor of Military.com, and has covered public policy and community news for national and regional publications.

“Over the last two years, readers have welcomed the Mat-Su Sentinel as a trusted voice for connect-the-dots news reporting in the region. We’re excited for the opportunity to carry on the Frontiersman’s legacy of community-focused journalism as we continue serving Mat-Su residents." Bushatz said.

“The Mat-Su Sentinel is truly the perfect local owner. They have deep roots in the Valley and an unwavering commitment to serving its residents through its free weekly newsletter and direct text news service and community events. We are genuinely excited about the future of community journalism in the Mat-Su Valley and wish Amy and her talented team the absolute best moving forward,” O’Connor said.

Wick Communications will continue to own and operate the printing facility in Wasilla.