Multimedia Morris Communications already has various Alaska-based publications, not to mention a six-station radio group in the state’s premiere media market of Anchorage. Now it has announced plans to acquire Where Alaska, a provider of information to those planning or thinking about traveling in the state.
The property is being acquired by Morris Visitor Publications, LLC (MVP) from Toronto, Canada’s St. Joseph Communications for an undisclosed price. It joins other MVP Alaska publications and online services, including Alaska Magazine, The Milepost, the Alaska Journal of Commerce, The Chugiak/Eagle River Alaska Star, the Alaska Equipment Trader and Destination Alaska.
Morris explained the acquisition in a release, saying, “With the addition of Where Alaska, MVP has enhanced its ability to provide timely and relevant information to local Alaska residents, visitors and aspirational travelers to America’s last frontier. The addition of Where Alaska will enable MVP’s advertisers to reach more affluent visitors to Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Skagway, Seward, Denali National Park and other destinations through its extensive in-room hotel, concierge and other prominent distribution locations.
“We are excited to add the Where brand to our Alaska portfolio,” said Donna Kessler, President of Morris Visitor Publications. “This strategic acquisition will allow us to provide additional timely and trustworthy content to travelers exploring this magnificent state. Our goal is to offer travelers the best resources to ensure a memorable experience when they choose to visit Alaska. We also aim to be a trusted source of entertainment and shopping information for local residents. The addition of Where Alaska gives MVP the opportunity to provide trusted and valuable travel information to yet another astonishing travel destination.”
Morris’s Anchorage radio cluster includes News Talk KFQD-AM 750, Country KBRJ-FM 104.1, Oldies KEAG-FM 97.3, Rock KWHL-FM 106.5, AC KMXS-FM 103.1 and Standards KHAR-AM 590.
It owns two daily newspapers in the state, the Juneau Empire and the Peninsula Clarion, and also has the Capital City Weekly in Juneau and Homer News in its periodical portfolio.
RBR-TVBR observation: Establishing a presence that is both locally-focused and vertical at the same time is a strategy worth serious consideration as media companies seek survival skills at the outset of this still-young millennium.
