Contra Costa Times publisher John Armstrong said today (March 13) he is disappointed that Knight Ridder’s new owner, the McClatchy Co., has immediately put his paper and 11 others up for sale. “I very much regret that McClatchy’s decision to sell off Contra Costa newspapers continues a period of uncertainty for our employees,” Armstrong said in a statement quoted by Editor & Publisher. “Any uncertainty brings anxiety. … It had been our hope that the announcement of the sale of Knight Ridder would clarify our ownership situation. Unfortunately, that is not the case.” Armstrong asserted that McClatchy’s decision “is not a reflection on us.” McClatchy CEO Gary Pruitt said he only wanted to keep the fastest-growing and most profitable KR papers.