Stauffer Communications
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Founder | Oscar S. Stauffer |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Fate | Acquired by Morris Communications |
| Headquarters | Topeka , United States |
Area served | United States (11 states) |
Key people | Oscar S. Stauffer, John H. Stauffer |
| Products | Newspapers, radio stations, television stations, magazines, broadcast rights |
Stauffer Communications was a privately owned media enterprise headquartered in Topeka, Kansas. Its portfolio included a variety of newspapers and broadcasting stations such as the Topeka Capital-Journal alongside radio and television outlets like WIBW, WIBW-FM, and WIBW-TV. The firm was active from 1930 until 1995.
History
The company originated in 1930 under the name Stauffer Publications, founded by Oscar S. Stauffer, who significantly grew the business during his tenure. Oscar Stauffer’s journalism career began at the Emporia Gazette and Kansas City Star, after which he managed the Peabody Gazette-Herald until 1922. By the time of his passing in 1982 at age 95, Stauffer Communications controlled 31 newspapers and broadcast stations spanning 11 states. Leadership passed to his son, John H. Stauffer, who assumed control in 1992.
In 1994, the company reached an agreement to sell its holdings to Morris Communications, based in Augusta, Georgia. The transaction, valued at $275 million and finalized in 1995, included 20 daily newspapers, 11 radio stations, three magazines, and broadcast rights for Kansas City Royals baseball games. As part of the deal, Morris Communications was obligated to divest Stauffer’s television assets; most of these, including WIBW-TV, were sold to Benedek Broadcasting in 1996. Additionally, Morris disposed of all magazine properties and non-media ventures such as insurance and security services.
Mary Stauffer Brownback, daughter of John H. Stauffer and granddaughter of Oscar S. Stauffer, is married to former U.S. Senator and Kansas Governor Sam Brownback.
Newspapers
Colorado
Glenwood Post (Glenwood Springs CO)
Florida
- News Chief (Florida)
Kansas
- Grit (newspaper) (national)
- The Newton Kansan
- The Topeka Capital-Journal
- Dodge City Daily Globe
- The Morning Sun (Pittsburg)
- The Arkansas City Traveler
- Peabody Gazette-Bulletin