In a significant milestone for the journalism landscape of North Texas, DallasNews Corporation, the parent company of The Dallas Morning News, has announced its acquisition by the Hearst Corporation.
This transition marks the first time since 1842 that the founding family has relinquished control of the newspaper, illustrating a momentous shift in the organization’s history.
For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of stewarding this notable legacy, striving to ensure that The Dallas Morning News continues serving as a fundamental source of information and truth for the Dallas community.
Ownership of a news organization is pivotal, and it extends beyond mere business acumen; it encompasses a deep-seated public trust, vital to the civic fabric of society.
Successful media companies must be grounded in ownership that recognizes the risks taken by journalists in their pursuit of transparency and truth, a commitment necessary for serving the public effectively.
Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to learn from distinguished leaders, particularly Robert Decherd, a member of the founding family.
Robert has exemplified the values of integrity and journalistic dedication embodied by his great-grandfather, G. B. Dealey, whose guidance remains a cornerstone for our mission.
In a pivotal address to his employees in 1906, Dealey emphasized the importance of truthful journalism, integrity, and fairness.
His enduring legacy continues to resonate, as we maintain these principles at the core of our journalistic endeavors, ensuring that the values upheld by Robert Decherd will endure despite the transition in ownership.
In the past two years, the urgency surrounding ownership has intensified, prompting company leadership to acknowledge the necessity for change.
This recognition was crucial for ensuring the enduring mission envisioned by G. B. Dealey.
When I approached Robert to discuss this necessary transformation, he emphasized two essential criteria for prospective new owners:
Firstly, it is vital that the new ownership properly values The Dallas Morning News for the sake of its shareholders.
Secondly, the new owner must align with our journalistic values, which are paramount in any transition.
I am pleased to note that the Hearst Corporation embodies both of these essential elements.
This is a significant factor in my decision to continue leading The Dallas Morning News in this new chapter.
Hearst brings to our organization an esteemed reputation for financial stability, innovative digital capabilities, and, most importantly, a venerable history of journalistic excellence.
This unique blend of corporate strengths and values positions Hearst as an ideal partner to ensure The Dallas Morning News flourishes well into the future.
While ownership is foundational to our operations, the heartbeat of our organization lies in the trust we cultivate with our audience.
During my conversations with community members over recent years, the consensus has been clear: readers prioritize trust in our reporting above all.
As public trust in media continues to wane, we are committed to elevating our standards and ensuring we distinguish ourselves in meaningful ways.
To restore and maintain this trust, we will emphasize community presence, transparency in our journalistic processes, and accountability for our published content.
We deeply value your ongoing partnership with The Dallas Morning News, appreciating the trust you grant us every day.
As we embark on this new affiliation with Hearst, our goal is to blend the best aspects of our historical foundation with the strengths that lie ahead, ensuring we remain your premier source for daily news across the region.
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