WBRZ - Baton Rouge

NEW ORLEANS - Some high-profile names recently asked the owners of the Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans to consider selling the paper instead of cutting back publication this fall.

Letters from both Saints owner Tom Benson and Senator David Vitter, R-La., were sent to Advance Publications and the Newhouse family, asking them to sell the daily newspaper. Benson offered to purchase the paper, and Senator Vitter said he'd been in talks with buyer groups as well.

Advance Publication previously announced plans to cut the daily paper to three days a week and focus on their online offerings. In his letter, Vitter criticized the decision to switch the newspaper's focus online.

"No digital platform, no matter how good, can completely replace a printed daily in substance, use, and significance to the community," he said.

When asked about the request, Advance said things hadn't changed since Donald Newhouse said two weeks ago they had "no intention" of selling the paper.