UPDATE: KnoxViews asked Knoxville Voice [1] publisher Dane Baker to comment on the news. Dane says:

"It's clear that Knoxville needs an independent voice now more than ever — we'll continue, as always, to report on stories as they affect ordinary people, eschewing the interests of massive corporations. A truly independent media, particularly at the local level, is vital for a functioning democracy, and we're proud to fill that role for Knoxville and East Tennessee."

Original post follows...

KNS to acquire Metro Pulse. Michael Silence [2] has the scoop.

There were rumors on the Blab [3] that it was being sold to Clear Channel. Guess that didn't pan out.

This puts Knoxville Voice [4] at the top of the heap as the only major independent alt-weekly left in town. The rest have been assimilated. (Some might argue that happened a long time ago, but that's neither here nor there.)

Brian Conley will stay on as Publisher. Interesting.

UPDATE: KNS article here [5]. It says Knoxvile Magazine is also being acquired as part of the deal.

It also says the deal is "an arrangement that preserves the weekly’s independence." Hahahaha. Good one.