The Yorkshire Post’s parent company Iconic Media has purchased The Dalesman magazine as it expands its “long-term commitment” to journalism in this region.

A spokesperson said: “Iconic Media announces the acquisition of The Dalesman, one of the UK’s best known and longest established regional magazine brands, as the company continues to expand its presence across Yorkshire and the north of England.

“Founded in 1939, The Dalesman has built a loyal readership over generations through its coverage of Yorkshire people, heritage, countryside and communities.

“The acquisition further strengthens Iconic Media’s presence and long-term commitment to Yorkshire, adding The Dalesman to a growing portfolio of established regional publishing brands, including The Yorkshire Post.

The Dalesman magazine is being purchased by Iconic Media, which also owns The Yorkshire Post.

placeholder image — The Dalesman magazine is being purchased by Iconic Media, which also owns The Yorkshire Post.

"The Dalesman will continue to operate from Skipton and maintain its strong editorial focus on Yorkshire people, places, history and culture.

“The acquisition forms part of Iconic Media’s wider strategy of investing in established regional publishing brands and growing audiences across print, digital, audio and emerging platforms.”

Malcolm Denmark, CEO of Iconic Media, said: “The Dalesman is one of the great regional publishing brands in the UK and we are very pleased to bring it into the Iconic Media group.

"This gives us an opportunity to continue investing in quality journalism and content focused on Yorkshire, its countryside, its communities and, most importantly, its readers.

"We see significant opportunities to build on the success of The Dalesman while respecting the qualities that have made it such an enduring and trusted title.”

David Proud, managing director of The Dalesman, said: “We have been a successful family business with a fantastic community of loyal readers and supporters for many years.

“We are pleased that The Dalesman is becoming part of another family business which already has a strong presence and commitment to Yorkshire. We look forward to working with the Iconic Media team and to building on everything that makes The Dalesman special.”

The announcement comes weeks after Iconic Media announced ‘Project 50’; an initiative to hire 50 new journalists including new editors for the Harrogate Advertiser and Doncaster Free Press.

Mr Denmark said at the time: “We are making a clear and deliberate investment in journalism at a time when others are pulling back. Local news matters more than ever, and it can only be done properly by people who are part of the communities they serve.

“This is about more than traditional reporting. We are building teams of multimedia journalists who can tell powerful local stories in whatever format best reaches the audience — whether that is in print, online, through video or on social platforms.

“At the same time, our group continues to grow through acquisition, and we remain ambitious for further expansion. Investing in editorial talent is fundamental to that strategy.”

Chief publishing officer Martin Little added: “While much of the industry is shrinking, we are growing with intent.”