Daily World and local weeklies acquired by Sound Publishing

Sound Publishing Inc. a Black Press subsidiary, has acquired, effective Oct. 1, the three times per week Daily World from Stephens Media. The details of the purchase were not disclosed. The transaction also includes The Vidette at Montesano, the North Coast News at Ocean Shores and the South Beach Bulletin at Westport. All are weekly newspapers.

“We feel quite fortunate to add the Aberdeen cluster of quality news products to Sound Publishing,” said Gloria Fletcher, president of Sound Publishing. “Of course we value the products but more importantly we value the people and the communities these products faithfully serve.”

Founded in 1987, Sound Publishing is the state’s largest community news organization publishing 38 community daily, weekly and monthly news products. Sound Publishing publications reach more than 700,000 homes weekly with print and digital products in the greater Puget Sound area.

In addition, Oahu Publications Inc., another Black Press subsidiary, and Stephens Media have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire West Hawaii Today and the Hawaii Tribune-Herald (Hilo).

“While we have appreciated the opportunity to serve these wonderful markets for a number of years, we concluded that they were no longer a strategic fit for Stephens Media,” Ed Moss, Stephens Media CEO, said today. “We are delighted that a newspaper operator of Black Press’ stature will take ownership of and continue to serve these communities and their readers and advertisers,” Moss noted.

“These newspaper titles in Washington and Hawaii fit with Black Press’ geographic clustering strategy and are by far the leading local media in each of their respective communities,” said CEO Rick O’Connor. “We are pleased to be adding these assets to our business in both Hawaii and Washington,” said company founder and Chairman David Black, “as both areas have been sources of growth for Black Press in the past few years.”

“I am grateful for the support we’ve received from Stephens Media over the years, but truly eager to work with a team of newspaper folks who have such strong ties and insight into our region,” said Daily World Editor Doug Barker. “Newspapers such as The Daily World, the Vidette, the Bulletin and the North Coast News are still the best way our communities have of keeping citizens connected and Sound Publishing has a strong track record for the sort of community journalism we value.”

Serving as interim publisher and advertising director for The Daily World and its affiliated weekly newspapers will be Janet Taylor. “I am excited to be here and honored to be introducing Sound Publishing to this beautiful, vibrant area,” she said. “I am looking forward to getting to know the newspaper staff and community leaders and residents.”