SPENCER, W.Va. (WV News) — WV News, the state’s largest multimedia company, has expanded its footprint with the purchase of Spencer Newspapers, owner and President Brian Jarvis announced.
“We are excited to be in the position of being able to continue the legacy of Spencer Newspapers and longtime owners the Hedges family, as well as the tradition of community journalism in the markets we own in West Virginia.
“The Hedges family built a remarkable legacy of community journalism here in Spencer, and WV News is honored to carry that torch forward,” Jarvis said. “As a company dedicated to local news across West Virginia, we are committed to upholding the same standards of honesty, integrity and community service that defined their work in Roane County.”
A new editor will be announced Friday, as longtime Editor Jim Cooper had planned his retirement for some time and announced it several weeks ago.
The newspapers will shift to a Friday publication schedule, with production now handled at WV News’ main hub in Clarksburg. Editorial and advertising staff will be based in Spencer.
“We have stepped into other markets to continue local journalism and are confident our staff in Spencer, as well as the WV News team statewide, is prepared to carry the mission forward for Roane County,” Jarvis said, adding that the company hopes to continue expanding and growing the West Virginia workforce.
“We are always looking for good people who can support our efforts,” he added. “And we’re eager to embrace our Roane County audience and advertisers as we work to support their efforts.
“We are also looking for good markets in West Virginia to expand good, strong community journalism while offering the marketing to businesses throughout West Virginia.”
WV News Publisher Andy Kniceley emphasized the company’s “digital-first” philosophy, meaning news will be posted online as soon as possible without waiting for the print edition.
Kniceley said the Roane newspapers would be a strong addition to the company’s growing portfolio.
“It has been my pleasure and privilege to know David Hedges and his family for over 20 years,” Kniceley said. “I have always admired the work they have done serving Roane County and the surrounding communities and always considered The Times Record and Roane County Reporter as the very best among weekly newspapers in the state.
“WV News will work hard to maintain that standard and serve the Roane County communities. We wish David and Starr a long, happy and healthy retirement.”
WV News’ Growing Media Network
WV News’ flagship publication is the daily Exponent Telegram. The company’s family of publications and digital platforms includes The State Journal, The Weston Democrat, The Record Delta, The Preston News & Journal, Garrett County Republican, Jackson County Herald, Star Record, River Cities Tribune and Register, Fairmont News, Bridgeport News and Morgantown News.
In addition, WV News produces several niche publications, including the classified advertising platform Your Bulletin Board(YBB), the WVU-focused Blue & Gold News, and lifestyle magazine NCWV Life, among others.
The Roane publications will transition to a new e-edition platform and will be printed in Clarksburg on Thursdays for Friday delivery by mail.
