HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut's economic development commissioner said she's received responses from five media companies that may be interested in buying some or all of the daily and weekly newspapers put up for sale by Journal Register Publishing Co.

Joan McDonald said she's guardedly optimistic that some kind of deal can be reached. It's now up to the newspaper publisher to negotiate with potential buyers.

The Department of Economic and Community Development sent letters this month to 13 media companies, including three in Connecticut, telling them about Journal Register's plans to close The Herald of New Britain, The Bristol Press and 11 weekly publications if a buyer could not be found by Jan. 12.

McDonald said her agency can provide buyers with some financial and technical assistance.

The company announced that the Press, Herald and several weeklies will close on Jan. 12 if a buyer cannot be found.

If the papers close, dozens of employees will lose their jobs.

Both of the daily papers date back to the late 1800s.

"We have a full array of programs, whether it's low-interest loans or job training, that we will work with prospective buyers to save these newspapers," said McDonald.

Journal Register also owns the New Haven Register, The Middletown Press, The Register Citizen of Torrington, 17 weekly newspapers and Connecticut Magazine.