DI Media Group to publish The Daniel Island News

The Daniel Island News has been purchased by a group whose history with South Carolina newspapers dates back to the 1890s.

 

Jack and Kyle Osteen - part of the family that has owned The Sumter Item since its inception in 1894 – purchased the Daniel Island-based newspaper along with Vince Johnson, the current group publisher of The Sumter Item.

 

Osteen, Osteen, and Johnson also own the Bluffton Sun and Hilton Head Sun in Bluffton, the Lexington County Chronicle in Lexington, and Gulf Coast Media, a group of four weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. The transaction closed on Sept. 2.

 

As part of the change, former owner and publisher Suzanne Detar – who started The Daniel Island News and has owned it since 2003 – is planning to retire. Detar will assist in the ownership transition.

 

“I’m excited about the experience and resources the new owners bring to the community and am confident that they will support and promote the community and our amazing staff at The Daniel Island News,” Detar said. “I’ve had a wonderful 22 years publishing the paper, and now I’m looking forward to spending more time with my grandchildren.”

 

The Osteen/Johnson companies are known for quality journalism in print and online and as an innovator in publishing local news. The group plans to build on the success of The Daniel Island News.

 

“We’re excited to continue the legacy of this important local news operation on Daniel Island and in the surrounding area,” Johnson said. “The fact that every resident receives the publication for free is a great resource for readers and is ideal for advertisers, and these are phenomenal communities for local news.”

 

DI Media Group plans to retain current staff positions and add to the community coverage and advertising options in the coming months.

 

“Much like Detar and the current staff, we value authentic relationships with our communities and news that is extremely local,” Jack Osteen said. “Our commitment is that we’ll listen to the Daniel Island communities and deliver the news you want and need to know.”

 

The Daniel Island News is circulated to homes on Daniel Island and along the Clements Ferry corridor, to Bishop England High School, Daniel Island School, and the Philip Simmons schools, and to businesses on Daniel Island and along the Clements Ferry corridor, including the expanding Point Hope development and growing areas.