A string of Northern Irish newspapers owned by a former Unionist politician has finally been sold to a UK publisher despite objections and months of delays.
National World, which is now called Iconic Media, has bought the Dungannon-based Alpha Media group of 13 newspapers and websites, previously owned by former politician John Taylor, now Lord John Kilclooney of Armagh.
Titles include the Newry Democrat, Ulster Gazette, County Down Outlook, Tyrone Courier, Mid Ulster Courier, Tyrone Constitution, Strabane Weekly News, Coleraine Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle, Ballycastle Chronicle, Northern Constitution, Ballymena Guardian and Antrim Guardian.
Last month, Iconic chief Malcolm Denmark said they were calling off the transaction because of lengthy delays in gaining regulatory approval.
The National Union of Journalists had opposed the takeover of the Alpha titles which include the Newry Democrat, because Iconic owned the rival Newry Reporter. Iconic’s UK interests include the Yorkshire Post, The Scotsman and The Dalesman.
The Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission cleared the proposal in January, but the NUJ had also asked the UK Competition and Markets Authority to block it.
The deal strengthens the UK-based Iconic group across the whole of the island of Ireland, and includes titles local to areas geographically at the heart of the conflict known euphemistically as “the troubles”.