Trib Total Media to sell 4 daily newspapers, 5 weeklies in western Pennsylvania

Nine western Pennsylvania publications, including four daily newspapers, are up for sale as Trib Total Media implements a strategic plan.

The company said Friday (http://bit.ly/1EpbV1U ) it was selling The Valley Independent in Monessen, the Leader Times in Kittanning, The Daily News in McKeesport and the Daily Courier in Connellsville.

It's also unloading five weeklies in Westmoreland County. They are The Mount Pleasant Journal, The Independent-Observer, The Ligonier Echo, The Times-Sun and The Jeannette Spirit.

Chief executive Jennifer Bertetto says the company will offer buyouts to about 430 employees at other properties and expects about 75 to accept.

She says the company plans to enhance its digital operations.

Trib Total Media is changing after owner Dick Scaife's death last year.

It currently has 77 publications, including its flagship, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.