Journal Register Co. seeks bankruptcy protection

(AP) Digital First Media says news publisher Journal Register Co. has again filed for bankruptcy protection and hopes for a quick sale.

The Chapter 11 filing announced Wednesday comes three years after the media company emerged from a prior bankruptcy case.

Digital First Media, which operates Journal Register Co., says it expects normal operations to continue during the sales process. It says Journal Register will be sold at auction, and has signed a stalking horse bid from an affiliate of Alden Global Capital.

Digital First Chief Executive John Paton says Journal Register has more than doubled its digital audience in the past two years. But he says the company is still struggling with print advertising and legacy costs.

Journal Register publishes newspapers and operates websites in 10 states.