Iconic Media Expansion Cleared As Regulators Dismiss NUJ Concerns

Regional publisher Iconic Media Group Limited is set to expand its portfolio after regulators cleared its proposed acquisition of a Northern Ireland newspaper group, despite concerns raised by The National Union of Journalists.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) had objected to the deal in a submission to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), arguing that Iconic already holds what it described as an “unhealthy” share of the Irish media market in terms of ownership, editorial control and advertising influence.

The union warned that further consolidation of media ownership would be “bad for business and bad for democracy, raising concerns about competition, employment and the future of independent journalism.

However, the CCPC has this week cleared the transaction, which would see Iconic Media Group Limited acquire sole control of Alpha Media Group Limited. The proposed acquisition was notified to the Commission under the Competition Act 2002, as amended, on 24 December 2025.

In its determination, the Commission said it had formed the view that the transaction would not substantially lessen competition in any market for goods or services in the State. The CCPC said it will publish the full reasons for its decision on its website within 60 working days, following a period in which the parties may request the removal of confidential information.

Iconic Media Group Limited does not currently own any newspaper titles or websites in the Republic of Ireland. However, it forms part of the wider Media Concierge Holdings Group Limited, which owns Irish media interests through its subsidiary Formpress Publishing Limited. Media Concierge is headed by Malcolm Denmark.

Alpha Media Group Limited is a locally owned weekly newspaper group based in Dungannon. It publishes 13 newspapers, alongside associated websites and social media platforms, all circulating outside the Belfast area. Its portfolio includes titles such as the Newry Democrat, Mid Ulster Courier, Coleraine Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle, Ballycastle Chronicle and the Ballymena Guardian.

The group also owns and operates YourAdsNI, an online classifieds and local advertising platform focused on the Northern Ireland market.

The clearance of the acquisition paves the way for Iconic Media to add the 13 weekly titles to its portfolio, subject to completion of the transaction.

The union said it will continue to seek guarantees that editorial jobs and independent titles will be retained, preserving the distinct editorial identity of different tiles. The NUJ has also written to the Competition and Markets Authority in the UK calling for a review into the proposed transaction.