The Baltimore Sun, the largest newspaper in Maryland, has been sold to David D. Smith, the executive chairman of the nationwide Sinclair network of television stations and other media. Mr. Smith, who grew up in Baltimore, bought Baltimore Sun Media, which includes The Sun, in a private deal from Alden Global Capital, an investment firm that has become the country’s second-largest newspaper operator. It was unclear how much Mr. Smith paid for Baltimore Sun Media. Triffon G. Alatzas, the publisher and editor in chief of The Sun, said in an email to the newsroom on Monday that Mr. Smith had bought The Sun “to support his hometown newspaper.” Mr. Alatzas said Mr. Smith would meet the staff at The Sun on Tuesday. In an interview with the paper, Mr. Smith said, “We have an absolute responsibility to serve the public interest,” adding, “I think the paper can be hugely profitable and successful and serve a greater public interest over time.”

---

Persons: David D, Smith, Triffon, Mr, Alatzas, “, ” Organizations: Baltimore Sun, Sinclair, Baltimore Sun Media, Alden Global Capital, Sun Media, The Capital Gazette, The Locations: Maryland, Baltimore, Annapolis, Md