McClatchy Marks Five Years Of Captivity For Journalist Austin Tice

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 14, 2017

For the summer of 2012, Austin traveled to Syria as a freelance journalist. He filed several stories for different media outlets, including McClatchy. August 13, 2012 is the last time Austin communicated with family or friends. He was travelling to Lebanon to file his final pieces and head home. But he never made it. Video emerged five weeks after his disappearance, showing him surrounded by armed men.

"Austin went to Syria to tell the stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations and he found himself the subject of a kidnapping and unjust detention that has gone on for far too long. It is long past time for this detention to end," said Craig Forman, President and CEO of McClatchy. "On this very difficult anniversary, we honor his sacrifice and that of his family."

The banner at the headquarters of McClatchy, founded on the principles of a strong and independent local press 160 years ago in Sacramento, reflects the company's continuing commitment to Austin Tice's release.

About McClatchy
McClatchy is publisher of iconic brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News & Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. McClatchy operates 30 media companies in 29 U.S. markets in 14 states, providing each of its communities with high-quality news and advertising services in a wide array of digital and print formats. McClatchy is headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MNI.