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Hearst Communications was founded in New York City by George Hearst.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hearst Communications was founded by William Randolph Hearst in San Francisco, California, not New York City. He took over the San Francisco Daily Examiner from his father, George Hearst.
William Randolph Hearst expanded his newspaper empire by launching the New York Journal in 1895 and acquiring Cosmopolitan magazine in 1905.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst expanded his media empire by launching the New York Journal in 1895 and acquiring Cosmopolitan magazine in 1905, among other publications.
Hearst Communications first entered the book publishing business in 1920 with the formation of Hearst's International Library.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hearst Communications first entered the book publishing business in 1913 with the formation of Hearst's International Library, not 1920.
During its 'Peak era' in the 1920s and 1930s, Hearst owned the largest media conglomerate globally, including magazines, newspapers, radio stations, and film distribution through Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Answer: True
Explanation: During its 'Peak era' in the 1920s and 1930s, Hearst indeed operated the largest media conglomerate worldwide, encompassing a wide range of media assets.
Who founded Hearst Communications?
Answer: William Randolph Hearst
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst founded Hearst Communications on March 4, 1887.
Which of the following magazines was acquired by William Randolph Hearst in 1905?
Answer: Cosmopolitan
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst acquired Cosmopolitan magazine in 1905 as part of his expansion efforts.
When did Hearst Communications first enter the book publishing business?
Answer: 1913
Explanation: Hearst Communications first ventured into book publishing in 1913 with the establishment of Hearst's International Library.
What was a key characteristic of Hearst's media conglomerate during its 'Peak era' in the 1920s and 1930s?
Answer: It was the largest media conglomerate globally.
Explanation: During its 'Peak era' in the 1920s and 1930s, Hearst's media conglomerate was recognized as the largest globally, with diverse holdings.
William Randolph Hearst's financial difficulties in the early 1920s were primarily due to a decline in newspaper readership.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst's financial difficulties in the early 1920s were primarily caused by his extensive expenditures on Hearst Castle and movie production, not a decline in newspaper readership.
The Great Depression led to Hearst's acquisition of several new newspapers and magazines to expand its market share.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Great Depression led to significant retrenchment for Hearst's publishing business, including the sale and merger of several publications, rather than expansion through new acquisitions.
William Randolph Hearst instructed his reporters in Germany to provide only positive coverage of Hitler and the Nazis, and high-ranking Nazis were given space to publish articles in Hearst newspapers.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst indeed instructed his reporters to provide positive coverage of Hitler and the Nazis, and high-ranking Nazi officials were permitted to publish articles in Hearst newspapers.
After a 1937 liquidation, Hearst merged several morning papers into afternoon papers to improve profitability.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following a financial liquidation in 1937, Hearst restructured its newspaper chain by merging morning papers into afternoon editions to enhance profitability.
Before television, afternoon papers were generally less profitable than morning papers.
Answer: False
Explanation: Before the advent of television, afternoon papers were generally more profitable than morning papers, often outselling them due to timely news and sports results.
Hearst Communications entered the television industry in 1947 by producing I.N.S. Telenews and became an owner of WBAL-TV in Baltimore by 1948.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hearst Communications initiated its entry into the television industry in 1947 with I.N.S. Telenews and acquired ownership of WBAL-TV in Baltimore by 1948.
In 1958, Hearst's International News Service merged with the Associated Press to form United Press International (UPI).
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1958, Hearst's International News Service merged with E.W. Scripps' United Press to form United Press International (UPI), not with the Associated Press.
What was a primary reason for William Randolph Hearst's financial difficulties in the early 1920s?
Answer: High expenditures on Hearst Castle and movie production.
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst's financial challenges in the early 1920s stemmed primarily from his substantial investments in Hearst Castle and movie production.
How did the Great Depression impact Hearst's publishing business?
Answer: It caused significant retrenchment, including sales and mergers of publications.
Explanation: The Great Depression severely impacted Hearst's publishing business, leading to a period of retrenchment characterized by sales and mergers of various publications.
What controversial instruction did William Randolph Hearst give his reporters regarding Nazi Germany?
Answer: To provide only positive coverage of Hitler and the Nazis
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst controversially instructed his reporters to provide only positive coverage of Hitler and the Nazis, even allowing high-ranking Nazis to publish articles in his newspapers.
What was the general trend for afternoon newspapers after World War II, with the rise of television news?
Answer: Their sales plummeted.
Explanation: After World War II, the rise of television news and suburban growth led to a significant decline in sales for afternoon newspapers.
When did Hearst Communications first enter the television industry?
Answer: 1947
Explanation: Hearst Communications first entered the television industry in 1947 with the production of I.N.S. Telenews.
What significant merger involving Hearst's International News Service occurred in 1958?
Answer: It merged with E.W. Scripps' United Press to form UPI.
Explanation: In 1958, Hearst's International News Service merged with E.W. Scripps' United Press to create United Press International (UPI).
The Hearst Corporation began pursuing joint operating agreements (JOAs) in 1975.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Hearst Corporation began pursuing joint operating agreements (JOAs) in 1965, not 1975.
The New York World Journal Tribune, formed in 1966 through a JOA, operated successfully for several years.
Answer: False
Explanation: The New York World Journal Tribune, formed in 1966 through a JOA, collapsed after only a few months of operation, indicating it was not successful for several years.
The Los Angeles Herald Examiner ceased publication in 1989 due to a prolonged strike that began in 1967.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Los Angeles Herald Examiner ceased publication in 1989, with its decline significantly accelerated by a 10-year strike that commenced in 1967.
Hearst expanded its hardcover publishing business by acquiring Arbor House in 1978 and William Morrow and Company in 1981.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hearst expanded its hardcover publishing business through the acquisitions of Arbor House in 1978 and William Morrow and Company in 1981.
Hearst acquired a 20% stake in ESPN, Inc. from The Walt Disney Company in 1990.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hearst Corporation acquired a 20% stake in ESPN, Inc. from RJR Nabisco in 1990. The Walt Disney Company acquired its 80% stake in ESPN in 1996.
Hearst partnered with the Cisneros Group of Companies in 1996 to launch a dedicated Latin American animation cable television channel called Locomotion.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1996, Hearst partnered with the Cisneros Group of Companies to launch Locomotion, a cable television channel dedicated to Latin American animation.
Hearst-Argyle Television was renamed Hearst Television in 2015.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hearst-Argyle Television was renamed Hearst Television in 2009, not 2015.
In 2000, Hearst Corporation sold the San Francisco Chronicle and acquired the San Francisco Examiner.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2000, Hearst Corporation sold the San Francisco Examiner and acquired the San Francisco Chronicle, reversing the statement.
Hearst acquired 100% ownership of Fitch Group in 2015.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hearst acquired 100% ownership of Fitch Group in 2018, after increasing its stake to 80% in 2015.
Hearst's ownership stake in A&E Networks increased to 42% after A&E Networks acquired Lifetime Entertainment Services in 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following A&E Networks' acquisition of Lifetime Entertainment Services in 2009, Hearst's ownership stake in A&E Networks indeed increased to 42%.
In 2010, Hearst acquired a traditional print advertising agency to bolster its newspaper division.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2010, Hearst acquired iCrossing, a digital marketing agency, not a traditional print advertising agency.
Hearst significantly expanded its magazine portfolio in 2011 by absorbing over 100 magazine titles from the Lagardère Group.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hearst indeed expanded its magazine portfolio in 2011 by acquiring over 100 titles from the Lagardère Group, positioning itself as a major player in the magazine publishing sector.
In what year did the Hearst Corporation begin pursuing joint operating agreements (JOAs)?
Answer: 1965
Explanation: The Hearst Corporation initiated its pursuit of joint operating agreements (JOAs) in 1965.
What was the outcome of the 1966 joint operating agreement that formed the New York World Journal Tribune?
Answer: It collapsed after only a few months of operation.
Explanation: The New York World Journal Tribune, formed through a 1966 JOA, proved unsuccessful and ceased operations after only a few months.
When did the Los Angeles Herald Examiner cease publication?
Answer: 1989
Explanation: The Los Angeles Herald Examiner ceased publication on November 2, 1989, following a prolonged strike.
Which company did Hearst acquire in 1981 to expand its hardcover publishing business?
Answer: William Morrow and Company
Explanation: In 1981, Hearst acquired William Morrow and Company to further expand its hardcover publishing business.
From whom did Hearst Corporation acquire a 20% stake in ESPN, Inc. in 1990?
Answer: RJR Nabisco
Explanation: Hearst Corporation acquired its 20% stake in ESPN, Inc. from RJR Nabisco in 1990.
What was the name of the Latin American animation cable television channel launched by Hearst in partnership with the Cisneros Group in 1996?
Answer: Locomotion
Explanation: In 1996, Hearst partnered with the Cisneros Group to launch Locomotion, a cable television channel dedicated to Latin American animation.
In what year was Hearst-Argyle Television renamed Hearst Television?
Answer: 2009
Explanation: Hearst-Argyle Television was renamed Hearst Television in 2009.
What major shift did Hearst make regarding its San Francisco newspaper holdings in 2000?
Answer: It sold the San Francisco Examiner and acquired the San Francisco Chronicle.
Explanation: In 2000, Hearst Corporation sold the San Francisco Examiner and acquired the San Francisco Chronicle, marking a significant change in its San Francisco newspaper portfolio.
When did Hearst acquire 100% ownership of Fitch Group?
Answer: 2018
Explanation: Hearst acquired 100% ownership of Fitch Group in 2018, completing a gradual increase in its stake that began in 2006.
What digital marketing agency did Hearst acquire in 2010?
Answer: iCrossing
Explanation: In 2010, Hearst acquired iCrossing, a digital marketing agency, to expand its presence in the digital advertising landscape.
In 2011, Hearst significantly expanded its magazine portfolio by absorbing over 100 titles from which group?
Answer: Lagardère Group
Explanation: Hearst significantly expanded its magazine portfolio in 2011 by acquiring over 100 titles from the Lagardère Group.
What was the estimated value of Hearst Corporation's 20% investment in ESPN, Inc. after 25 years?
Answer: A minimum of $13 billion
Explanation: After 25 years, Hearst Corporation's 20% investment in ESPN, Inc. was valued at a minimum of $13 billion.
Litton Entertainment was rebranded as Hearst Media Production Group in 2022 after Hearst acquired a majority stake in 2017.
Answer: True
Explanation: After Hearst acquired a majority stake in Litton Entertainment in 2017, the entity was rebranded as Hearst Media Production Group in 2022.
The acquisition of The Pioneer Group in 2017 reduced Hearst Newspapers' portfolio of daily papers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The acquisition of The Pioneer Group in 2017 increased Hearst Newspapers' portfolio to 19 daily and 61 weekly papers, thus expanding it rather than reducing it.
In 2018, Hearst acquired health and wellness magazine brands like Men's Health and Runner's World from Rodale, Inc.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hearst completed the acquisition of health and wellness magazine brands, including Men's Health and Runner's World, from Rodale, Inc. in 2018.
QGenda, a healthcare workforce management software solution, was acquired by Hearst in 2024 to become part of its Hearst Health division.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hearst announced its acquisition of QGenda, a healthcare workforce management software solution, in August 2024, integrating it into the Hearst Health division.
Puzzmo, a puzzle games website, was acquired by Hearst in December 2023.
Answer: True
Explanation: Hearst acquired the puzzle games website Puzzmo in December 2023 as part of its recent digital sector expansions.
Which health and wellness magazine brands did Hearst acquire from Rodale, Inc. in 2018?
Answer: Men's Health and Runner's World
Explanation: In 2018, Hearst acquired prominent health and wellness magazine brands, including Men's Health and Runner's World, from Rodale, Inc.
What type of company is QGenda, which Hearst acquired in August 2024?
Answer: A healthcare workforce management software solution provider
Explanation: QGenda, acquired by Hearst in August 2024, is a provider of healthcare workforce management software solutions, integrating into the Hearst Health division.
The trust established by William Randolph Hearst's will is set to dissolve after 100 years from his death.
Answer: False
Explanation: The trust established by William Randolph Hearst's will is set to dissolve when all family members who were alive at the time of his death in August 1951 have passed away, not after a fixed period of 100 years.
Richard E. Berlin, a former CEO of Hearst Communications, was alleged to have suffered from Alzheimer's disease during his tenure, leading to unjustified newspaper shutdowns.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst Jr. claimed that Richard E. Berlin, CEO from 1951-1973, suffered from Alzheimer's disease during his tenure, which allegedly led to the unjustified closure of several Hearst newspapers.
Victor F. Ganzi served as President and CEO of Hearst Communications from 2008 to 2012.
Answer: False
Explanation: Victor F. Ganzi served as President and CEO of Hearst Communications from 2002 to 2008, not 2008 to 2012.
Steven Swartz became President of Hearst Communications in 2012 and CEO in 2013.
Answer: True
Explanation: Steven Swartz assumed the role of President of Hearst Communications in 2012 and was promoted to CEO in 2013.
Debi Chirichella became the president of Hearst Newspapers in 2020.
Answer: False
Explanation: Debi Chirichella became the president of Hearst Magazines in 2020, while Jeffrey M. Johnson became the president of Hearst Newspapers in 2018.
Dr. Greg Dorn is the president and group head of Hearst Health, overseeing its healthcare businesses since 2014.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dr. Greg Dorn has served as the president and group head of Hearst Health since 2014, responsible for overseeing the company's healthcare businesses.
William Randolph Hearst III is the current chairman of Hearst Communications.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst III currently serves as the chairman of Hearst Communications.
Where is the headquarters of Hearst Communications located?
Answer: Midtown Manhattan, New York City
Explanation: The headquarters of Hearst Communications is situated in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
According to William Randolph Hearst's will, how many family members serve as trustees on the common board?
Answer: Five
Explanation: William Randolph Hearst's will stipulates that five family members serve as trustees on the common board, alongside eight outsiders.
When is the trust established by William Randolph Hearst's will set to dissolve?
Answer: When all family members alive at his death in August 1951 have passed away.
Explanation: The trust established by William Randolph Hearst's will is designed to dissolve upon the passing of all family members who were alive at the time of his death in August 1951.
Who served as President and CEO of Hearst Communications from 2002 to 2008?
Answer: Victor F. Ganzi
Explanation: Victor F. Ganzi held the positions of President and CEO of Hearst Communications from 2002 to 2008.
Who is the current President of Hearst Magazines, appointed in 2020?
Answer: Debi Chirichella
Explanation: Debi Chirichella was appointed President of Hearst Magazines in 2020, overseeing its extensive portfolio.
Who is the current President and CEO of Hearst Communications?
Answer: Steven Swartz
Explanation: Steven Swartz currently serves as the President and CEO of Hearst Communications.
Who became the President of Hearst Television in 2023?
Answer: Michael J. Hayes
Explanation: Michael J. Hayes was appointed President of Hearst Television in 2023, succeeding Jordan Wertlieb.
In 2024, Hearst Communications reported a revenue of US$13 billion and employed 22,000 people.
Answer: True
Explanation: The company's reported revenue for 2024 was US$13 billion, with a workforce of 22,000 employees, indicating its substantial scale.
Hearst Communications holds a 75% stake in the A&E Global Media cable network group.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hearst Communications holds a 50% stake in the A&E Global Media cable network group, not 75%.
The Houston Chronicle is one of the daily newspapers owned by Hearst Communications in California.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Houston Chronicle is a daily newspaper owned by Hearst Communications in Texas, while its California daily newspapers include the San Francisco Chronicle.
Hearst Communications' broadcasting assets include a 100% ownership of ESPN, Inc.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hearst Communications holds a 20% ownership stake in ESPN, Inc., not 100%.
King Features Syndicate is listed as one of Hearst Communications' internet properties.
Answer: False
Explanation: King Features Syndicate is listed under Hearst Communications' 'Other' business assets, not among its internet properties.
What is the primary business focus of Hearst Communications?
Answer: Mass media and business information
Explanation: Hearst Communications is primarily focused on mass media and business information, encompassing a wide range of media and information services.
What was Hearst Communications' reported revenue in 2024?
Answer: US$13 billion
Explanation: Hearst Communications reported a revenue of US$13 billion in 2024.
What stake does Hearst Communications hold in ESPN Inc.?
Answer: 20%
Explanation: Hearst Communications holds a 20% stake in ESPN Inc.
Which of the following is a daily newspaper owned by Hearst Communications in Connecticut?
Answer: The News-Times (Danbury)
Explanation: The News-Times (Danbury) is listed among the daily newspapers owned by Hearst Communications in Connecticut.
What percentage ownership does Hearst Communications hold in A+E Global Media cable network group?
Answer: 50%
Explanation: Hearst Communications holds a 50% ownership stake in the A+E Global Media cable network group.
Which of the following is an internet property owned by Hearst Communications?
Answer: Puzzmo
Explanation: Puzzmo is listed as one of the internet properties owned by Hearst Communications.
Which of these daily newspapers is owned by Hearst Communications in Texas?
Answer: Houston Chronicle
Explanation: The Houston Chronicle is listed among the daily newspapers owned by Hearst Communications in Texas.
Which of the following magazines is NOT listed as currently owned by Hearst Communications?
Answer: Sports Illustrated
Explanation: Sports Illustrated is not listed among the prominent magazines currently owned by Hearst Communications.