COMPANY·HISTORIES
NAIC 511120

Periodical publishers

How the companies in this industry began, and the forces that shaped them.

129companies1804–2001founding years125still active4no longer operating
§ 01

The industry over time

Companies foundedEconomyTechnologyEnvironmentHistory
FoundedTaylor & Francis Group plc
1804
FoundedBonnier AB
1837
FoundedCarl Allers Etablissement A/S
1873
FoundedWegener NV
1903
TechnologyThe Wright brothers achieve powered flight.
FoundedPennWell Corporation
1910
1914
EconomyWorld War I begins; global trade reorders.
FoundedUnited Business Media plc
1918
1929
EconomyThe stock market crashes; the Great Depression spreads worldwide.
FoundedDow Jones & Company, Inc.
1930
FoundedThe Walt Disney Company
1938
1939
EconomyWorld War II begins; wartime production surges.
1945
EconomyThe war ends; a long global expansion begins.
1947
TechnologyThe transistor is invented.
FoundedFreedom Communications, Inc.
1950
1958
TechnologyThe integrated circuit is demonstrated.
FoundedBobit Publishing Company
1961
1962
EnvironmentSilent Spring launches the modern environmental movement.
FoundedMorris Communications Corporation
1970
1971
EconomyThe dollar leaves the gold standard; currencies float.
FoundedDennis Publishing Ltd.
1973
EconomyThe OPEC oil embargo triggers a global shock.
1975
TechnologyThe personal-computer era begins.
FoundedWorld Publications, LLC
1978
1979
EconomyA second oil crisis drives inflation higher worldwide.
1981
TechnologyThe IBM PC launches and sets a standard.
FoundedLifetime Entertainment Services
1984
TechnologyApple ships the Macintosh; the GUI era begins.
FoundedAdvanstar Communications, Inc.
1987
EconomyBlack Monday: markets fall sharply around the world.
1989
HistoryThe Berlin Wall falls; global markets open up.
1991
TechnologyThe World Wide Web is released to the public.
TechnologyLinux and open source challenge proprietary software.
FoundedAffinity Group Holding Inc.
1992
1993
TechnologyThe Mosaic browser brings the web to everyone.
1995
TechnologyWindows 95 launches; the internet goes mainstream.
FoundedInformation Holdings Inc.
1996
1997
EconomyThe Asian financial crisis rattles global markets.
EnvironmentThe Kyoto Protocol sets the first climate targets.
FoundedNext Media Ltd.
1999
2000
EconomyThe dot-com bubble bursts.
2004
TechnologySocial media and Web 2.0 take hold.
2007
TechnologyThe iPhone launches the smartphone era.
2008
EconomyThe global financial crisis freezes credit worldwide.
2010
TechnologyCloud computing goes mainstream for business.
2015
EnvironmentThe Paris Agreement sets global climate targets.
2020
EconomyThe COVID-19 pandemic upends the global economy.
2022
EconomyInflation spikes; central banks raise rates sharply.
2023
TechnologyGenerative AI reaches mainstream business use.
§ 02

The companies

Taylor & Francis Group plc →
Active · founded 1804 · United Kingdom
The Taylor & Francis Group plc is a fast-growing and leading publisher of scholarly journals, textbooks, and books.
Taylor & Francis Group plc →
Active · founded 1804 · United Kingdom
The Taylor & Francis Group plc is a fast-growing and leading publisher of scholarly journals, textbooks, and books.
Guardian Media Group plc →
Active · founded 1821 · United Kingdom
Guardian Media Group plc (GMG) is an anomaly in the British media market.
Guardian Media Group plc →
Active · founded 1821 · United Kingdom
Guardian Media Group plc (GMG) is an anomaly in the British media market.
Société du Figaro S.A. →
Active · founded 1826 · France
One of France's oldest newspaper groups, Société du Figaro S.A.
Société du Figaro S.A. →
Active · founded 1826 · France
One of France's oldest newspaper groups, Société du Figaro S.A.
Bonnier AB →
Active · founded 1837 · Sweden
Bonnier AB is one of the Nordic region's leading media groups, losing out the top spot to Finland's SanomaWSOY in 2001.
Bonnier AB →
Active · founded 1837 · Sweden
Bonnier AB is one of the Nordic region's leading media groups, losing out the top spot to Finland's SanomaWSOY in 2001.
The Economist Group Ltd. →
Active · founded 1843 · United Kingdom
The Economist Group Ltd.
The Economist Group Ltd. →
Active · founded 1843 · United Kingdom
The Economist Group Ltd.
Deli Universal NV →
Active · founded 1869 · Netherlands
1960s:Deli Maatschappij enters into a partnership with Universal Leaf Tobacco Company to import and process burley…
Deli Universal NV →
Active · founded 1869 · Netherlands
1960s:Deli Maatschappij enters into a partnership with Universal Leaf Tobacco Company to import and process burley…
Bayard SA →
Active · founded 1873 · France
One of France's oldest publishing groups, Bayard SA is also one of the country's largest, particularly in its three…
Bayard SA →
Active · founded 1873 · France
One of France's oldest publishing groups, Bayard SA is also one of the country's largest, particularly in its three…
Carl Allers Etablissement A/S →
Active · founded 1873 · Denmark
Carl Allers Etablissement A/S is one of the Scandinavian region's leading media groups.
Carl Allers Etablissement A/S →
Active · founded 1873 · Denmark
Carl Allers Etablissement A/S is one of the Scandinavian region's leading media groups.
National Geographic Society →
Active · founded 1888
Founded as a club of distinguished gentlemen devoted to promoting the study of geography, the National Geographic…
National Geographic Society →
Active · founded 1888
Founded as a club of distinguished gentlemen devoted to promoting the study of geography, the National Geographic…
The Christian Science Publishing Society →
Active · founded 1897
The Christian Science Publishing Society is the nonprofit, independently run media arm of The First Church of Christ,…
The Christian Science Publishing Society →
Active · founded 1897
The Christian Science Publishing Society is the nonprofit, independently run media arm of The First Church of Christ,…
Wegener NV →
Active · founded 1903 · The Netherlands
Wegener NV is one of the Netherlands' leading newspaper publishing groups.
Wegener NV →
Active · founded 1903 · The Netherlands
Wegener NV is one of the Netherlands' leading newspaper publishing groups.
Cristalerias de Chile S.A. →
Active · founded 1904 · Chile
Cristalerias de Chile S.A., or Cristalchile, is that country's leading producer of glass and plastic containers and…
Cristalerias de Chile S.A. →
Active · founded 1904 · Chile
Cristalerias de Chile S.A., or Cristalchile, is that country's leading producer of glass and plastic containers and…
Landmark Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1905
1900s-20s:Samuel Slover becomes publisher and half-owner of the Newport News Times-Herald; Slover takes over a string…
Landmark Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1905
1900s-20s:Samuel Slover becomes publisher and half-owner of the Newport News Times-Herald; Slover takes over a string…
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. →
Active · founded 1909
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. →
Active · founded 1909
PennWell Corporation →
Active · founded 1910
For most of the 20th century, PennWell Corporation's principal publication was the Oil & Gas Journal.
PennWell Corporation →
Active · founded 1910
For most of the 20th century, PennWell Corporation's principal publication was the Oil & Gas Journal.
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A. →
Active · founded 1912 · Italy
Late 1980s:Battle for control of Mondadori begins between De Benedetti and Berlusconi.
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore S.p.A. →
Active · founded 1912 · Italy
Late 1980s:Battle for control of Mondadori begins between De Benedetti and Berlusconi.
The Professional Golfers' Association of America →
Active · founded 1916
The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America is an organization that trains, certifies, and advocates for…
The Professional Golfers' Association of America →
Active · founded 1916
The Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) of America is an organization that trains, certifies, and advocates for…
United Business Media plc →
Active · founded 1918 · United Kingdom
Early 1980s:United Newspapers makes its first major U.S.
United Business Media plc →
Active · founded 1918 · United Kingdom
Early 1980s:United Newspapers makes its first major U.S.
Condé Nast Publications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1922
Condé Nast Publications, Inc.
Condé Nast Publications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1922
Condé Nast Publications, Inc.
The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. →
Active · founded 1922
The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. →
Active · founded 1922
The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.
Lebhar-Friedman, Inc. →
Active · founded 1925
Lebhar-Friedman, Inc.
Lebhar-Friedman, Inc. →
Active · founded 1925
Lebhar-Friedman, Inc.
Dow Jones & Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1930
Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Dow Jones & Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1930
Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Rodale, Inc. →
Active · founded 1930
Rodale, Inc.
Rodale, Inc. →
Active · founded 1930
Rodale, Inc.
Tamedia AG →
Active · founded 1933 · Switzerland
Tamedia AG is Switzerland's second largest media and publishing group.
Tamedia AG →
Active · founded 1933 · Switzerland
Tamedia AG is Switzerland's second largest media and publishing group.
Vance Publishing Corporation →
Active · founded 1937
Vance Publishing Corporation has been producing specialized trade magazines since 1937.
Vance Publishing Corporation →
Active · founded 1937
Vance Publishing Corporation has been producing specialized trade magazines since 1937.
The Walt Disney Company →
Active · founded 1938
A colossal force in the entertainment industry, The Walt Disney Company (Disney) is best known for bringing decades of…
The Walt Disney Company →
Active · founded 1938
A colossal force in the entertainment industry, The Walt Disney Company (Disney) is best known for bringing decades of…
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1942
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., is the world's largest African American-owned publishing company.
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1942
Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., is the world's largest African American-owned publishing company.
The Topps Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1947
The Topps Company, Inc.
The Topps Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1947
The Topps Company, Inc.
Freedom Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1950
1970s:The Santa Ana Register changes its name to the Orange Country Register.
Freedom Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1950
1970s:The Santa Ana Register changes its name to the Orange Country Register.
Roularta Media Group NV →
Active · founded 1954 · Belgium
Roularta Media Group NV is a Belgian-based media conglomerate.
Roularta Media Group NV →
Active · founded 1954 · Belgium
Roularta Media Group NV is a Belgian-based media conglomerate.
Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1960
Through its four divisions, Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc., publishes music in print, owns and administers…
Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc. →
Active · founded 1960
Through its four divisions, Cherry Lane Music Publishing Company, Inc., publishes music in print, owns and administers…
Sanrio Company, Ltd. →
Active · founded 1960 · Japan
Japan's Sanrio Company, Ltd.
Sanrio Company, Ltd. →
Active · founded 1960 · Japan
Japan's Sanrio Company, Ltd.
Bobit Publishing Company →
Active · founded 1961
Bobit Publishing Company is a privately-held publisher of more than 20 business-to-business periodicals.
Pantone Inc. →
Active · founded 1962
Pantone, Inc., with its corporate headquarters in Carlstadt, New Jersey, is a private company that over the last four…
Pantone Inc. →
Active · founded 1962
Pantone, Inc., with its corporate headquarters in Carlstadt, New Jersey, is a private company that over the last four…
Quebecor Inc. →
Active · founded 1965 · Canada
Quebecor Inc.
Quebecor Inc. →
Active · founded 1965 · Canada
Quebecor Inc.
Wenner Media, Inc. →
Active · founded 1967
Wenner Media, Inc.
Wenner Media, Inc. →
Active · founded 1967
Wenner Media, Inc.
Morris Communications Corporation →
Active · founded 1970
Morris Communications Corporation (MCC) is a mid-sized media company with holdings in diverse media.
Morris Communications Corporation →
Active · founded 1970
Morris Communications Corporation (MCC) is a mid-sized media company with holdings in diverse media.
PCM Uitgevers NV →
Active · founded 1970 · The Netherlands
PCM Uitgevers NV is one of the Netherland's leading newspaper and publishing groups.
PCM Uitgevers NV →
Active · founded 1970 · The Netherlands
PCM Uitgevers NV is one of the Netherland's leading newspaper and publishing groups.
M. Shanken Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1972
M.
M. Shanken Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1972
M.
Dennis Publishing Ltd. →
Active · founded 1973 · United Kingdom
Dennis Publishing Ltd.
Dennis Publishing Ltd. →
Active · founded 1973 · United Kingdom
Dennis Publishing Ltd.
Health Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Health Communications, Inc.
Health Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1977
Health Communications, Inc.
The Thomson Corporation →
Active · founded 1977 · Canada
As it prepares to enter the 21st century, The Thomson Corporation is completing its transformation from a media,…
The Thomson Corporation →
Active · founded 1977 · Canada
As it prepares to enter the 21st century, The Thomson Corporation is completing its transformation from a media,…
ESPN, Inc. →
Active · founded 1978
ESPN, Inc.
ESPN, Inc. →
Active · founded 1978
ESPN, Inc.
World Publications, LLC →
Active · founded 1978
World Publications, LLC is a leading publisher of water sports and leisure-oriented magazines, and also operates web…
World Publications, LLC →
Active · founded 1978
World Publications, LLC is a leading publisher of water sports and leisure-oriented magazines, and also operates web…
Editorial Television, S.A. de C.V. →
Active · founded 1979 · Mexico
Editorial Television, S.A.
Editorial Television, S.A. de C.V. →
Active · founded 1979 · Mexico
Editorial Television, S.A.
Emmis Communications Corporation →
Active · founded 1980
Emmis Communications Corporation is a diversified media company with interests in radio, television, and publishing.
Emmis Communications Corporation →
Active · founded 1980
Emmis Communications Corporation is a diversified media company with interests in radio, television, and publishing.
A & E Television Networks →
Active · founded 1984
A & E Television Networks began modestly in 1984 with one cable channel, The Arts & Entertainment Network, which…
A & E Television Networks →
Active · founded 1984
A & E Television Networks began modestly in 1984 with one cable channel, The Arts & Entertainment Network, which…
Lifetime Entertainment Services →
Active · founded 1984
Lifetime Entertainment Services is a joint venture owned by The Walt Disney Company and The Hearst Corporation.
Lifetime Entertainment Services →
Active · founded 1984
Lifetime Entertainment Services is a joint venture owned by The Walt Disney Company and The Hearst Corporation.
Morningstar Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Based in Chicago, Morningstar Inc.
Morningstar Inc. →
Active · founded 1984
Based in Chicago, Morningstar Inc.
American Girl, Inc. →
Active · founded 1986
American Girl, Inc.
American Girl, Inc. →
Active · founded 1986
American Girl, Inc.
Advanstar Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1987
1970s-80s:Edgell grows magazine division to more than 100 publications.
Advanstar Communications, Inc. →
Active · founded 1987
1970s-80s:Edgell grows magazine division to more than 100 publications.
Trader Classified Media N.V. →
Active · founded 1987 · The Netherlands
Trader Classified Media N.V.
Trader Classified Media N.V. →
Active · founded 1987 · The Netherlands
Trader Classified Media N.V.
The Source Enterprises, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
The Source Enterprises, Inc.
The Source Enterprises, Inc. →
Active · founded 1988
The Source Enterprises, Inc.
PMP Ltd. →
Active · founded 1991 · Australia
PMP Ltd.
PMP Ltd. →
Active · founded 1991 · Australia
PMP Ltd.
Affinity Group Holding Inc. →
Active · founded 1992
Affinity Group Holding Company is the parent company of several businesses, including Affinity Group, Inc.
Affinity Group Holding Inc. →
Active · founded 1992
Affinity Group Holding Company is the parent company of several businesses, including Affinity Group, Inc.
Publishing and Broadcasting Limited →
Defunct · founded 1994 · Australia
One of the largest corporations in Australia, Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL) has built its empire through…
Publishing and Broadcasting Limited →
Defunct · founded 1994 · Australia
One of the largest corporations in Australia, Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL) has built its empire through…
Cygnus Business Media, Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
As of mid-2003, Cygnus Business Media, Inc.
Cygnus Business Media, Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
As of mid-2003, Cygnus Business Media, Inc.
Information Holdings Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
Information Holdings Inc.
Information Holdings Inc. →
Active · founded 1996
Information Holdings Inc.
Miller Publishing Group, LLC →
Active · founded 1997
Miller Publishing Group, LLC owns Tennis magazine and nearly four dozen city-specific monthly travel guides published…
Miller Publishing Group, LLC →
Active · founded 1997
Miller Publishing Group, LLC owns Tennis magazine and nearly four dozen city-specific monthly travel guides published…
Informa Group plc →
Active · founded 1998 · United Kingdom
Informa Group plc assembles and sells specialized information in six broad business sectors: finance and insurance;…
Informa Group plc →
Active · founded 1998 · United Kingdom
Informa Group plc assembles and sells specialized information in six broad business sectors: finance and insurance;…
Grupo Clarín S.A. →
Active · founded 1999 · Argentina
Grupo Clarín S.A., a privately owned Argentine holding company, is the leading media group in the Spanish-speaking…
Grupo Clarín S.A. →
Active · founded 1999 · Argentina
Grupo Clarín S.A., a privately owned Argentine holding company, is the leading media group in the Spanish-speaking…
Next Media Ltd. →
Active · founded 1999 · Hong Kong
One of Hong Kong's leading newspaper and magazine publishers, Next Media Ltd.
Next Media Ltd. →
Active · founded 1999 · Hong Kong
One of Hong Kong's leading newspaper and magazine publishers, Next Media Ltd.
SanomaWSOY Corporation →
Active · founded 1999 · Finland
Finland's SanomaWSOY Corporation leapt onto the broader European media scene with the 2001 acquisition of VNU's…
SanomaWSOY Corporation →
Active · founded 1999 · Finland
Finland's SanomaWSOY Corporation leapt onto the broader European media scene with the 2001 acquisition of VNU's…
Ziff Davis Media Inc. →
Active · founded 2000
Ziff Davis Media Inc.
Ziff Davis Media Inc. →
Active · founded 2000
Ziff Davis Media Inc.
AOL Time Warner Inc. →
Defunct · founded 2001
Global media powerhouse AOL Time Warner Inc.
AOL Time Warner Inc. →
Defunct · founded 2001
Global media powerhouse AOL Time Warner Inc.
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