SYRACUSE -- Longtime Syracuse New Times owner Art Zimmer has announced the sale of the alternative weekly newspaper to a local entrepreneur with no previous media or publishing experience. William Brod took over the paper Wednesday morning after Zimmer announced the sale to the staff he has led for the last 26 years.

Zimmer cited a need for new and younger leadership to ensure a bright future for the newspaper. Zimmer told the staff in a letter he has had "several opportunities to sell the paper (and for more money), but most included out of town people. I feel local ownership of media, especially like the New Times is very important." Zimmer wished the staff and the new owner well telling them, "together you will build a bright future for yourself and the company."

Brod has spent the last day meeting with New Times staff and answering their questions about the sale and the future for the alternative weekly. Brod says he does not expect lay offs. In fact, he plans to hire soon to help bolster the web presence for the New Times. He said the talent and experience of the New Times staff in all phases of the business were one of the greatest assets in deciding to make the purchase.

The deal has been in the works for several months. He said the transaction began with a meeting with Art Zimmer about the way the New Times operates. The deal finally came together after financing from a local bank helped close the deal.

In an interview this afternoon Brod said he sees great strength in the New Times brand. "I think the New Times is in a unique and the most unique position to speak to the community in a way no other media organization can," said Brod. "We can be proactive, go to people, bring people together we can follow up and push politicians and heads of organization or in authority to do what they should do or said they were going to do."

Brod has experience in start-ups and turnaround business ventures. He also worked for companies like Syracuse Supply, Pass & Seymour Legrand and C&S Operations all in the greater Syracuse area. He now plans on spending all his working time on running the New Times.