Hearst acquires Say Yes To The Dress producer NorthSouth

US media company Hearst Corporation has acquired a stake in Say Yes To The Dress producer NorthSouth Productions.

This comes as the company continues to ramp up its move into television. Hearst owns a stake in cable operator A+E Networks, ESPN and One Three Media, a joint venture with Mark Burnett.

The company has bought 50% of NorthSouth Productions, which produces both Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta and Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids as well as formats including Impractical Jokers (pictured). It was founded by Charlie DeBevoise and Mark Hickman in 2000.

“This partnership gives us a significantly stronger presence in cable network production, which is experiencing a steady growth in overall demand,” Frank Bennack, Jr, CEO of Hearst Corporation. “When we first partnered with Mark Burnett in 2011 and entered television production, we had a strategic vision of building a full-service 21st century production company — NorthSouth is an important piece in furthering this effort.”

“Mark and I wanted a partnership that would accelerate the growth we’ve enjoyed over the past few years,” added DeBevoise. “The Hearst team has the experience to do that.”