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RALEIGH — North State Media, the publisher of North State Journal, North Carolina’s only statewide newspaper, has reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Stanly News & Press, a trusted source of community news in Albemarle and Stanly County since 1880.
The acquisition from Carpenter Media Group marks another step in North State Media’s commitment to preserving and strengthening community journalism throughout North Carolina.
“We are excited to welcome the Stanly News & Press to the North State Journal family,” said Neal Robbins, CEO of North State Media and Publisher of North State Journal. “We believe in the future of local journalism and see this as a key opportunity to expand our mission of delivering meaningful, independent reporting to communities across the state.”
North State Media already publishes the Stanly County Journal, a local edition of the North State Journal. This edition has served the region with weekly coverage of local news combined with the newspaper’s statewide sections. Upon closing, the Stanly News & Press and Stanly County Journal will be combined into a single publication, combining the strengths of both titles to better serve Stanly County readers.
“This acquisition will enhance coverage, improve reach and deliver more of the journalism that matters most to local readers,” said Robbins. “Our local mission will continue to be focused on allowing readers in Stanly County to join the conversation at the local, state and national levels.”
Carpenter Media Group owns newspapers in more than 240 communities across North America, including five community newspapers in North Carolina: Salisbury Post, Davie County Enterprise Record, Clemmons Courier, Tryon Daily Bulletin and Stanly News & Press.
“We are pleased to see the Stanly News & Press continue in the hands of a publisher who values independent, community-focused journalism,” said Tim Prince, CEO of Carpenter Media Group. “Neal Robbins and his team at North State Media bring a clear vision and deep respect for Stanly County and for the role local newspapers play in keeping citizens informed and connected.”
This announcement comes weeks after the launch of the North State Journal News Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to quality journalism for print newspapers.
The Foundation will provide fact-based, in-depth content and resources to help strengthen local newspapers.
In the coming weeks, further announcements regarding staffing, circulation, advertising opportunities, employment opportunities and publishing schedule will be made. The transaction is anticipated to close on or before April 30, 2025.
About North Stanly Journal
North State Journal is North Carolina’s only statewide newspaper. First published in 2016, its mission is to delve deep, engage with truth, help citizens find common ground and fill a void in North Carolina’s media landscape. The award-winning publication reaches readers in all 100 counties through its flagship print edition and website, nsjonline.com.