Who is Hearst? Meet the New Owner of the Dallas Morning News

The Dallas Morning News, one of Texas’s most iconic newspapers, is set to be acquired by Hearst Corporation in a $74.9 million all-stock deal announced on July 10, 2025. This move marks the end of 140 years of independent ownership and signals a major shift in the media landscape of Texas and the U.S.

A Big Deal for Texas News

When the acquisition is completed later this quarter or early next, Hearst will own the leading newspapers in all four of Texas’s largest cities—Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. The Dallas Morning News will join the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News, and the Austin American-Statesman, solidifying Hearst’s control over Texas’s biggest media markets.

The purchase also includes Medium Giant, a marketing agency owned by DallasNewsCorp. With this deal, Hearst continues its trend of expanding local journalism reach, even as many others in the industry downsize or are taken over by hedge funds.

Who Is Hearst Corporation?

Hearst Corporation is a New York–based media conglomerate founded in 1887 by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Today, Hearst owns:

• 28 daily newspapers

• 50 weekly newspapers

• Over 200 magazine editions worldwide

• Multiple television stations, digital platforms, and data businesses

The company has a long history of supporting local journalism and is one of the few media giants still privately owned. In contrast to hedge fund-owned outlets known for deep newsroom cuts, Hearst is seen as a stable and reinvesting media leader.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

Ken Doctor, a former media analyst and now a digital news entrepreneur, called the deal a positive sign for the newspaper industry.

“To have a state like Texas with one owner for those four markets is really something,” Doctor said. “Hearst has held on to their newspaper business and is reinvesting. That’s really contrarian and a good sign for the industry.”

Why This Deal Matters

• End of Independence: The Dallas Morning News had been publicly traded under DallasNewsCorp. (NASDAQ: DALN), but family-controlled since 1885 under the Dealey–Decherd lineage.

• Shareholder Windfall: Hearst’s offer of $14 per share is more than triple the stock’s recent trading price of $4.39.

• Stronger Texas Coverage: The move opens doors for expanded state political and legislative news, possibly challenging Texas Tribune, a major nonprofit news outlet based in Austin.

What’s Next for the Dallas Morning News?

While staff reductions are expected on the business side, early signs suggest that the newsroom will remain largely intact. The Dallas Morning News currently has 157 news employees. Just last week, the paper appointed Colleen McCain Nelson as its new executive editor. A former editorial writer for DMN, she’s expected to lead the editorial transition under Hearst ownership.

Statement from Leadership

Robert Decherd, former CEO and longtime board member, said in a press release: “The News’ 140-year commitment to distinguished journalism has been extraordinarily important to the evolution of Dallas as one of America’s greatest cities. I’m confident that the path forward with Hearst Newspapers assures The News’ ability to continue informing and strengthening North Texas for many years to come.”

Looking Ahead

As Hearst expands across Texas, industry watchers expect better funding, stronger collaboration between newsrooms, and broader state-level coverage—including border reporting and legislative updates from Austin.

In an era when many local newspapers are being stripped down for profit, Hearst’s acquisition stands out as a vote of confidence in local journalism.