The Tulsa World and the Owasso Reporter, Wagoner County American-Tribune, Sand Springs Leader and Skiatook Journal have been sold by BH Media Group (a Berkshire Hathaway company owned by billionaire Warren Buffett) to a newspaper chain based in Davenport, Iowa.

Once again, the second largest newspaper in the state is being controlled by out-of-state businessmen.

This transaction is not a surprise at all.

First, the news media is consolidating all over the place. Big corporate conglomerates are buying locally owned newspapers, TV stations and radio stations. The big companies are getting bigger and bigger and that’s bad news for consumers of news.

Secondly, Buffett is a highly successful businessman. He rarely sells any business he buys. But 18 months ago, he contracted with Lee Enterprises to take over management of his newspaper empire (including the Tulsa World and the suburban papers). That was telling. His problem is he can make so much more return in other industries rather than newspapers. Buffett has disparaged the future of newspapers and he’s right about papers like the Tulsa World.

The real reason why the Tulsa World has lost circulation, had layoffs and keeps getting smaller and more expensive is that its staff is out-of-touch with the people of Tulsa. That’s especially true with conservatives, evangelical Christians and millennials.  They see a declining value and an assault on their values from editors and reporters with a progressive agenda.

This change of ownership won’t make things better but there is a decent chance it will get worse.