Hearst buys seven weeklies

Hearst has acquired the print and digital assets of seven weekly newspaper brands from Hersam Acorn Newspapers in Fairfield County, Connecticut, including The Ridgefield Press, The Wilton Bulletin, New Canaan Advertiser, The Darien Times, The Shelton Herald, The Trumbull Times and The Milford Mirror. The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz and Hearst Newspapers President Jeff Johnson.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The brands will become part of Hearst Connecticut Media Group. With more than 200 journalists, Hearst Connecticut Media Group is now made up of eight daily newspapers including the New Haven Register, Connecticut Post, Greenwich Time, Stamford Advocate and The Norwalk Hour, and 20 weekly newspapers including those listed above.

“As Hearst looks to grow its news brands and coverage across Connecticut to reach some of the most desirable consumers and decision-makers in the nation, these successful weeklies are an excellent fit,” Johnson said. “The acquisition will only strengthen the journalism and services we can offer readers and advertisers in the region. We thank Hersam Acorn co-owners Martin Hersam and Thomas Nash for overseeing the growth of these businesses.”

Paul Barbetta, group publisher and president, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and senior vice president, circulation for Hearst Newspapers, will oversee the business and news operations for the new brands.

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