Industry news: Newspapers change hands

Two TPA member newspapers have changed ownership.

South Texas News acquires Hood County News in Granbury

GRANBURY – South Texas News, Inc., has expanded well beyond its namesake by acquiring The Hood County News from Hyde Media Group, LLC, owned by Paul Hyde, a longtime Hood County resident and founder of the Hyde Law Firm.

The acquisition increases the total number of newspapers operated by the company in Texas to 11, reinforcing its commitment to delivering comprehensive local journalism.

Albert Reynolds, owner of Texas-based South Texas News, shared his thoughts on the expansion.

“We are excited to expand into North Central Texas. With papers in Brenham, Beeville, Rockport, Portland and others, we specialize in community newspapers throughout Texas,” Reynolds said. “Our vision for the future is to elevate local journalism by integrating modern technology and community-driven content. We are dedicated to ensuring that The Hood County News not only continues its 140-year tradition of excellence but also evolves to meet the growing needs of our readers. We believe that a strong local newspaper is the heartbeat of the community, and we are here to keep that heart beating strongly.”

South Texas News Inc. publisher Dennis Wade expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are delighted to add The Hood County News to our group of community newspapers. This addition strengthens our position as one of the leading community newspaper groups in Texas.”

The Hood County News will retain its original name but will undergo some operational changes to align with South Texas News’ structure. However, there are no changes planned for the deadlines, delivery dates or once-weekly frequency of the newspaper.

The purchase changes ownership of the newspaper and magazine business, but leaves the building and commercial printing press in Hyde’s hands. The printing operation has expanded to 35 newspapers, spanning from New Boston to Lampasas to Graham, according to outgoing publisher Sam Houston.

Houston is stepping down as publisher but will continue writing his column at the new owners’ invitation. Hyde said Houston’s desire to step out of the publisher’s role helped drive the decision to sell: With his law practice, Hyde couldn’t — wouldn’t — assume the workload himself, he said.

A New Mexico brokerage hired by Hyde and Houston last year connected the parties, Hyde said. He purchased HCN on Aug. 13, 2020, and said finding a buyer committed to continuing publication was a priority.

Hamilton Herald-News joins Granite Media Partners

HAMILTON – The Hamilton Herald-News was acquired by Granite Media Partners Inc. on Sept. 1.

The transition was announced by H. Daniel Philhower, CEO and president of Granite, and Grant Lengefeld, owner and operator of the Hamilton Herald-News for the past 12 years.

Philhower, who has ties to the Hamilton community and owned land in the area for many years, said Granite is expanding its presence on the cusp of the Hill Country and is excited about adding another strong community paper to its lineup.

“The Hamilton Herald-News has a long history of serving Hamilton County and the surrounding communities, and we’re excited about the opportunity to build on that foundation,” he noted in a prepared statement. “As with all of our publications, our goal is to strengthen the newspaper’s connection to the community, grow its digital presence, and continue investing in strong local journalism while maintaining the important role of the printed newspaper.”

A new addition to the Hamilton Herald-News staff is Area Publisher Mark Henry, a longtime veteran of the newspaper industry who is no stranger to community publications. In the meantime, staffers including Kim Tyson, Janice Velasquez, Jaxon Hansard and Kate Edwards are still at 101 N. Rice St. to serve readers and advertisers of the Hamilton Herald-News, the oldest continuously operating business in Hamilton for 151 years.

Henry vowed to continue the legacy of serving the information and advertising needs of the community. “I’m excited and happy to join the team at the Hamilton Herald-News. I look forward to continuing the hard work of Grant and his staff,” Henry said. “The newspaper belongs to the community it serves, and we will be working diligently to produce a paper, website, social media and niche publications that best serve the needs of our valued readers and advertisers. And always be strong advocates for the schools, organizations and the entire community at large.”

A native of Huntsville, Henry began his media career in 1980 at his hometown newspaper, The Huntsville Item.

Over the years, he has worked in every department of a newspaper and has served as publisher for multiple publications including The Highlander in Marble Falls,

Burnet Bulletin, The Clifton Record, Meridian Tribune, The Mexia News, Mount Pleasant Tribune, The Pittsburg Gazette and The Steel Country Bee, among others. Henry served as an officer for two Texas-based groups including Granite Publications (the precursor to Granite Media Partners) and Moser Community Media. In addition, Henry was on the boards of the Texas Press Association and the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association, as well as various chambers of commerce and civic clubs.

“Our commitment is simple: Hamilton deserves a strong local newspaper,” Philhower said. “One that celebrates our students, schools and businesses; covers our local governments; tells the stories of our neighbors; preserves our community’s history; and gives Hamilton County a strong local voice.”

Thomas Edwards, the executive editor for Granite, said the paper is not wavering from its constitutionally mandated mission of serving the public’s right to know. “The Hamilton Herald- News is already the recognized news source for this region of Texas,” he said. “The news staff in Hamilton will now get to enjoy the benefits of being part of a bigger, shared newsroom with additional resources and added platforms to increase the reach and scope of their storytelling.”