Journal, Scripps Merger Closes

After 88 years together, the publishing and broadcast divisions of Journal Communications Inc. have split to become part of two more closely aligned news media companiesm according to jsonline.com.

Timothy Stautberg

With the closing of a merger-and-spinoff deal between Journal Communications and The E.W. Scripps Co., the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins with Scripps' newspapers, which operate in 13 markets, to form the new, publicly traded Journal Media Group.

At the same time, the television and radio units of Journal Communications, including WTMJ radio and TV, merge into Scripps to create the nation's fifth-largest independent TV group.

Journal Media Group is based in Milwaukee. Headquarters for Scripps remains in Cincinnati.

Richard Boehne

The breakup of the publishing and broadcasting units of Journal Communications ends a partnership that goes back to 1927, when Journal Co., as it was known then, purchased WKAF radio — today's WTMJ — in Milwaukee. In 1947, Journal added WTMJ-TV, the first commercial television station in Wisconsin.

"The corporate banner that flies over our buildings will change, but the pride associated with our important local brands will continue because of your dedication to their success," Steven J. Smith, chairman and chief executive of Journal Communications, said in a letter emailed to employees Tuesday.

Smith now becomes chairman of the Journal Media Group, and Timothy E. Stautberg, who oversaw Scripps' newspapers, becomes president and CEO of Journal Media Group. Richard A. Boehne remains chairman, president and CEO of Scripps.