Billionaire Ron Perelman Buys Hamptons Newspaper From Adman Jerry Della Femina

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Billionaire and philanthropist Ron Perelman has a new feather in his proverbial cap — he's just bought a Hamptons-based newspaper from adman Jerry Della Femina.

Perelman announced his purchase of The Independent, a free weekly paper with offices located in East Hampton, in an open letter to the public that graced the front page of the publication this week.

Following is the letter in its entirety:

"I am a firm believer in tradition and history, and preserving the qualities that make our community so strong," Perelman wrote.

"I believe a community is best served by having several local newspapers and a vibrant press, offering an array of viewpoints and perspectives. The Independent, part of the oldest family of newspapers on the East End along with the Traveler Watchman, has long stood for comprehensive coverage of local news, arts, and community activities. I have been friends with Jerry Della Femina for decades and I am thrilled that we came together to ensure The Independent can continue to operate and flourish.

"As the paper’s new owner, I am absolutely committed to supporting The Independent’s mission with a continued focus on covering local news and events while enhancing and expanding the paper’s focus and coverage of the vibrant local arts, culture, dining, social scene and real estate.

"I also believe a newspaper can serve its community in addition to covering it. The Independent will be launching a new section that will prominently feature local community service, charity and not-for-profit work to help promote ways local residents can support our community.

"Our readers can look forward to a beautifully redesigned paper and website launching Memorial Day, as well as many exciting new contributors. Jim Mackin and his extraordinary team will be staying on with the paper.

"For my family and me, there are few places we love and cherish as much as East Hampton and the entire East End of Long Island. We have been a part of this community for more than 30 years, spending year after year, season after season, enjoying our community’s beauty, arts and culture, and most of all, all of our great friends here.

We are going to preserve, invest in and grow The Independent to deliver the East End’s go-to paper, one that showcases all that we love about our community."

Ron Perelman is a familiar face on the East End, owner of "The Creeks" estate in East Hampton.

For more than 20 years, The Independent has covered East End news, with Della Femina's column "Jerry's Ink" garnering scores of loyal readers as he chronicled not only life in the Hamptons but fond memories of his Brooklyn childhood with trademark wit and warmth.

In 2005, The Independent continued to expand its focus on the North Fork when it purchased the Traveler Watchman, a longtime weekly newspaper.

Mackin and other staffers at Indy declined to comment this week.

Della Femina could not immediately be reached for comment.