The Indiana Publisher

Page 9 March 2020 Follow HSPA on Twitter For updates follow HSPA on Twitter @OurRight2Know Staff reports The Times NWI Lee Enterprises, owner of The Times Media Co. (The Times of Northwest Indiana), announced March 16 it has completed its acquisition of BH Media Group's publica- tions and of The Buffalo News. The acquisitions nearly double Lee's audience size and add 30 daily newspapers, more than 49 paid weekly publications with digital sites and 32 other print products to Lee's portfolio, which is now comprised of 77 publications in 77 communities. "This transaction reinforc- es our conviction in the value and power of local news, adding 31 publications with deep roots in their communi- ties, enabling Lee to serve even more readers and advertisers," Lee Chairman Mary Junck said. In connection with the transaction, Berkshire Hathaway provided approxi- mately $576 million in long-term financing to Lee at a 9% annual rate. The proceeds from the financing were used to pay for the acquisition, to refinance Lee's existing debt, and to terminate its revolving credit facility. Berkshire Hathaway is now Lee's sole lender. "Lee today leads the industry in digital revenue growth and operating performance, and this transaction unlocks new opportunities to grow our top line and further accelerate our digital transformation," President and CEO Kevin Mowbray said. Staff reports The Crothersville Times The Crothersville Times Editor & Publisher Curt Kovener announced that the weekly newspaper has expanded its operation with the opening of an office in Scottsburg to better serve Scott County readers. The newspaper will partner with Kovener & Associates Real Estate office at 69 N. Main St, next to Scottsburg City Hall."Publishing court news from Scott as well as Jackson County for nearly 40 years has long resulted in a strong subscriber base for the Times in Scott County,"Kovener said. "With the sudden closure of the former Scott County Journal and Austin Chronicle in May 2018, our circulation and readership increased dramatically in Austin, Scottsburg and Lexington." Mailed every Wednesday, the Times is the only recognized newspaper in Scott County qualified for publishing legal notices. In the mid-1970s, Kovener was a reporter for the now-defunct Austin-Crothersville News before going to work for David Bartle at the Scott County Journal and Chronicle. The Times was started by Bartle in 1980 and was sold to Kovener in 1983."It seems that I have come full-circle, returning to covering news in the two-county area," Kovener said."I have made many friends in the Scott County area over the past 40 years in the newspaper business. It is good to become reacquainted with them and greet new friends as well." Kovener & Associates Real Estate is owned by Casey Kovener- Elkins, the newspaper owner's niece. At the new Scottsburg office, newspapers will be available for purchase as will annual subscriptions. Advertising and news announce- ments can be dropped off at the newly opened office. Production will remain at the newspaper's Jackson County location but assistance with news and advertising of all types is just an email or phone call away. News items, ads and notices can be emailed toctimes@frontier. com and the publisher can be reached at 812-793-2188. Bob Kasarda The Times NWI VALPARAISO — The Times remains committed to keeping a presence in Valparaiso, even as it seeks to sell its current building, the publisher says. Times Media Company President and Publisher Chris White said Valparaiso and its many Times readers are of central importance to the newspaper and online media company's efforts to remain Northwest Indiana's leading news provider. The company is selling its longtime home at the prime location of 1111 Glendale Blvd. and is in search of a new location to continue operations in Valparaiso, White said. "The building is more than we need," White said. "I'd like to see the building put to better use." The building, which is located at the busy corner of Glendale Boulevard and Roosevelt Road, was home to the former Vidette- Messenger newspaper. The Times purchased the Vidette-Messenger in 1995, and as circulation grew, the local printing operations were relocated a few years later to the Munster office. Editorial, advertising and circulation services have continued to operate out of the Valparaiso office. Times Editor Marc Chase noted Valparaiso remains an important gateway for the company to serve Porter County readers. "Our readership throughout Porter County, and particularly in Valparaiso, is key to our ongoing efforts," Chase said. "You can't tell the Region's story without the narrative of this important community and county, and we're committed to keeping that foothold." The company is searching for an appropriate location for a new Valparaiso home, White said. The current building is being marketed by Latitude Commercial. Lee Enterprises acquires BH Media Group publications Times of Northwest Indiana selling Valparaiso office Crothersville Times opens office in Scott County Newspaper remains committed to presence in 'gateway to Porter County'

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