Landmark Community Newspapers, Inc. history

By 1973 it had 18 newspapers and four printing plants.

WTVF was also known for another distinction: the hiring of a college student in 1974 who went on to conquer the media industry--Oprah Winfrey.

1978: Las Vegas television station KLAS-TV is acquired.

The two papers, despite their common ownership, had been run independently and had maintained a fierce rivalry until 1982, when the staffs were combined in a cost-saving move precipitated by the declining fortunes of the newspaper industry.

In 1990, Michael Eckert took over as president of what became Landmark's Video Networks and Enterprises Division.

1991: Trader Publishing Company, specializing in classified advertising publications, is established as a 50-50 joint venture with Cox Enterprises, Inc.

Also in 1992, Landmark acquired Antique Trader Publications, which became a key part of Landmark Specialty Publications.

In February 1994, Travel, a London-based travel channel, was launched.

Also in 1995, Landmark purchased full control of InfiNet and then sold a 50 percent stake in that venture to Knight-Ridder, Inc.

In April 1997 the company bought The Insiders' Guides Inc., producer of a 45-title guidebook series from its headquarters in Manteo, North Carolina, and in October of that same year Landmark purchased Helena, Montana-based guidebook publisher Falcon Publishing Co.

Then in 1998 Travel Channel Latin America was sold to Discovery Communications Inc.

Early in 2000, the company paid about $120 million to Litton Industries Inc. for its Weather Services International (WSI) unit.

In June 2002 Landmark sold its American Outdoor Advertising billboard subsidiary, which had been deemed a noncore asset, to Lamar Advertising Company.