Two weekly newspapers covering the East End of Long Island – Dan’s Papers and The Independent — are merging together to form “Dan’s Independent Media.” The combined company will bring together Dan’s Papers—the multiplatform news, entertainment, events and digital media company—with The Independent, the East End’s largest newspaper, known for its in-depth news reporting and features. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Dan’s Independent Media’s new combined newspaper will be publishing weekly, effective immediately, in the Dan’s Papers format incorporating The Independent‘s news and special content. Dan’s Independent Media will also have a range of digital and social content richer than any other media company in the Hamptons.
“We started our conversations at the turn of the year, well before the COVID-19 lockdown, knowing that if we came together, we could become a true omni-channel media powerhouse,” said Richard Burns, Dan’s Independent Media Chairman. “There are great synergies between the companies, and this combination allows Dan’s to join with a first-rate news franchise, as well as terrific people and clients at The Independent. Ultimately, this merger of forces will serve our readers and our customers extremely well.”
“I am so proud of what we have accomplished at The Independent. It has become the number one newspaper on the East End, offering the most in-depth and independent reporting on the critical issues facing our community. I am looking forward to working with Dan’s to continue to expand our reach and serve our community,” said Ronald O. Perelman.
Dan’s Papers was founded by Dan Rattiner out of Montauk in 1960 as a summer-only weekly newspaper. It has become the largest multimedia company on the East End in the 10 years since its purchase by Manhattan Media. The Independent has been the true “independent” and award-winning news source in the Hamptons. The Independent was purchased by Ronald Perelman in 2017.
