Industry news

Three Texas newspapers change hands.

Terrell Tribune acquired by Van Zandt Newspapers
TERRELL – Van Zandt Newspapers, LLC, of Canton assumed ownership of the Terrell Tribune on Jan. 17. 
Hartman Newspapers previously owned the newspaper, founded in 1916.
Van Zandt Newspapers Publisher Brad Blakemore will serve as publisher for the Terrell Tribune as it becomes a sister newspaper to the Van Zandt News, Canton Herald, Wills Point Chronicle, The Quinlan-Tawakoni News, The Monitor, Kerens Tribune, The News, Lake Area Leader and The Shopper. 
“We are all very excited to bring the Terrell Tribune into our group of local community newspapers,” said Blakemore, noting that the Terrell community is a vibrant market.
“Adding the Terrell Tribune and the midweek Terrell Tribune Update to our portfolio strengthens our footprint in Northeast Texas to 15 counties and well over 200,000 readers,” Blakemore said.
Terrell Tribune staff members are Travis Detherage, news editor; Patrick Brown, composing - designer; Vickie Painter, bookkeeping; and Patty Barringer, advertising sales. 
The Terrell Tribune will continue to publish on Saturdays and the Terrell Tribune Update on Wednesdays. The newspaper office is located at 150 9th street in Terrell. 

New Clarksville Times Publishing purchases The Clarksville Times
CLARKSVILLE – Red River Media approved an agreement Jan. 1 to sell the 145-year old Clarksville Times to a new locally based corporation formed by Louis Antonelli, managing editor of the paper.
Robert L. Palmer of Red River Media announced the newspaper is being sold to New Clarksville Times Publishing, formed by Louis and Patricia Antonelli.
Red River Media purchased The Clarksville Times in 1977 from Jimmy Hurt of Clarksville, who owned it for 30 years. 
“We are very proud of the high standard of community journalism that has been the trademark of The Times and have every expectation that Lou Antonelli will maintain the same tradition,” Palmer said. “He’s an experienced journalist with four decades in the business, and has done a superb job as managing editor of the paper for the past three years.”
“It’s a great responsibility, running a paper that goes back to Reconstruction era and has had only two owners in 70 years,” Antonelli said. “I believe I have the experience and attitude to make The Times even bigger and better ... with the continued advice and support of the citizens of Clarksville.”
Antonelli and other employees of The Times will stay in their current positions. Patricia Antonelli will be publisher of the newspaper and manager of New Clarksville Times Publishing LLC. 

Local investors buy Friona Star
FRIONA – The Friona Star was purchased by a group of local investors organized as Friona Star, LLC.
The new owners are Danny and Holly Campbell, Bill and Jeri Lynn White, Teddy and Sharon White and Clint Mears. All are friends of previous owners Bill and Carol Ellis and Ron Carr, the longtime publisher who passed away Nov. 6.
The investors said their goal is to continue to make the Friona Star the community's source for local news, sports, history, pictures and special events as well as to showcase Friona and its citizens.
The Friona Star is published on Thursdays