Riverfront Times: A History of St. Louis Journalism
The Riverfront Times served as a cornerstone of the St. Louis media landscape for decades, providing a distinct voice in local reporting and cultural commentary. From its inception as an independent venture to its transition through various corporate owners, the publication played a significant role in the city's journalistic history.
The Evolution of Ownership
Founded in 1977 by Ray Hartmann, the paper began its journey under the leadership of Hartmann and co-owner Mark Vittert. This independent era lasted until 1998, when the duo sold the newspaper to New Times Media. Following a merger in 2006, the parent company became known as Village Voice Media.
The ownership structure shifted again in September 2012. Executives Scott Tobias, Christine Brennan, and Jeff Mars purchased the papers and web properties from the founders to establish the Voice Media Group. By 2015, the Riverfront Times was acquired by the Euclid Media Group.
The final years of the publication were marked by rapid transitions. In August 2023, Euclid Media Group dissolved, and the paper was sold to Chris Keating via Big Lou Holdings LLC. The final sale occurred in May 2024 to an unnamed buyer, later revealed to be individuals associated with Texas-registered LLCs Ready Set Cam and FanFox, who promote OnlyFans content creators. This final transition resulted in the layoff of all staff.
Editorial Excellence and Notable Contributors
Throughout its tenure, the Riverfront Times was recognized for its journalistic quality, earning more than three dozen awards from the Missouri Press Association, including the prestigious Gold Cup.
The publication was known for hosting diverse and engaging content. It featured a weekly syndicated column by relationship and sex advice writer Dan Savage and previously carried Chuck Sheppard's "News of the Weird" column. The paper also employed talented journalists such as Suzanne Langlois, who received the 1994 Con Lee Kelliher award for distinguished achievement.
Leadership Transitions
The editorial direction of the paper was shaped by several key figures. In June 2019, editor-in-chief Sarah Fenske departed to host "St. Louis on the Air" for St. Louis Public Radio. She was succeeded by interim editor-in-chief Doyle Murphy.
Murphy led the publication until February 9, 2022, when he also transitioned to St. Louis Public Radio. Following a brief interim period under Ben Westhoff, the executive editor of Euclid Media Group, Rosalind Early took over as editor-in-chief in March 2022. Early joined the paper from her role as deputy managing editor for Washington Magazine at Washington University in St. Louis.
Preserving the Legacy
Despite the closure of its staff, the historical record of the Riverfront Times has been preserved for future generations. Bound print backfiles from December 1977 to 2007 were donated to the Special Collections at Washington University in St. Louis. Additionally, public librarians Jaclyn Crow and Joshua Lawrence archived digital content from the publication's final decade on a Google Sites page.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1977 by Ray Hartmann and Mark Vittert.
- Major Awards: Over 36 Missouri Press Association awards, including the Gold Cup.
- Final Ownership: Acquired in May 2024 by owners of Ready Set Cam and FanFox.
- Archives: Print records (1977–2007) held at Washington University in St. Louis.
- Notable Columns: Featured Dan Savage and Chuck Sheppard.
| Period | Owner/Entity |
|---|---|
| 1977 – 1998 | Ray Hartmann and Mark Vittert |
| 1998 – 2012 | New Times Media / Village Voice Media |
| 2012 – 2015 | Voice Media Group |
| 2015 – 2023 | Euclid Media Group |
| 2023 – 2024 | Big Lou Holdings LLC (Chris Keating) |
| May 2024 – Present | Ready Set Cam / FanFox |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Riverfront Times?
The newspaper was founded in 1977 by Ray Hartmann and Mark Vittert.
What happened to the staff in 2024?
Following the sale of the paper in May 2024 to buyers associated with Ready Set Cam and FanFox, all staff members were laid off.
Where can I find old issues of the Riverfront Times?
Print backfiles from December 1977 to 2007 are available at the Washington University in St. Louis Special Collections, and digital archives from the last decade are hosted on a Google Sites page.
Which awards did the publication win?
The paper won more than three dozen awards from the Missouri Press Association, including the group's Gold Cup.
Who were some of the notable editors?
Notable editors include Sarah Fenske, Doyle Murphy, and Rosalind Early.