THE Jersey Evening Post and Bailiwick Express are to merge – subject to regulatory approval – in a deal designed to support the future of independent, locally owned news media in Jersey.
One hundred percent of the share capital in both businesses will be bought by a new Media Holdings company, MH Ltd, creating a unified news business, which will be better placed to take advantage of new technologies, and compete successfully in a dynamic market.
MH Ltd will bring together the Jersey Evening Post, the wholesaling operation of national newspapers and magazines in Jersey which trades as Jersey Distribution, and Bailiwick Express, owned by the existing shareholders of Bailiwick Express and the board.
Matt Ross, JEP managing director, said: ‘This is the beginning of a positive new chapter for one of Jersey’s oldest and most recognisable brands. For more than 132 years, the Jersey Evening Post, formerly the Evening Post, has occupied a unique position at the heart of Island life, providing an essential service to generations of Islanders.
‘The bringing together of the two media organisations – both respected and trusted local brands – will ensure that Jersey continues to be served by a strong, professional and independent news media, and can make the most of the opportunities which arise.’
Bailiwick Express launched in 2014 in Jersey as a digital newspaper, with a Guernsey edition following in 2018. It also broadcasts Bailiwick Radio online and on DAB+.
James Filleul, co-founder, managing director and editor of Bailiwick Express, added: ‘The vital role of independent news media is only getting stronger, along with Islanders’ appetite to learn about, and understand, what is happening in their island. The teams at the JEP and Express work very hard every day to deliver that, and we believe this merger will give them the best possible platform to continue doing that important work.
‘New technologies which allow global brands to compete hard for advertising budgets locally, without any local presence or contribution to the local economy, also offer opportunities to the new company to strengthen our position at the heart of the local community. Above all, we must continue to deliver high-quality local journalism in order to thrive – that is the bedrock of this merger, and one we will now build on.’
