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The Roanoke Times Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Roanoke Times: A Newspaper's History and Operations

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The Roanoke Times: A Newspaper's History and Operations Study Guide

Founding and Early Development (1886-1909)

The Roanoke Times began its publication history in 1886 under the name Roanoke Daily Times.

Answer: True

Explanation: The publication that evolved into The Roanoke Times commenced its history in 1886, initially under the name Roanoke Daily Times.

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M. H. Claytor was the original owner of the Roanoke Evening News.

Answer: False

Explanation: M. H. Claytor was the original owner of the Roanoke Daily Times. The Roanoke Evening News was a companion paper added later.

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The Roanoke Evening News was merged with the Roanoke World-News in 1913.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1913, The Roanoke Evening News was merged with the Roanoke Evening World, resulting in the creation of the Roanoke World-News.

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J. B. Fishburn led the group that purchased The Roanoke Times in 1909.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1909, the newspaper was acquired by a group of investors headed by banker J. B. Fishburn.

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The Roanoke Times was originally named the Virginia Daily Times.

Answer: False

Explanation: The publication began in 1886 under the name Roanoke Daily Times, not Virginia Daily Times.

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What was the original name of The Roanoke Times when it began publication in 1886?

Answer: The Roanoke Daily Times

Explanation: The publication commenced its history in 1886 under the name Roanoke Daily Times.

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Who was the original owner of the Roanoke Daily Times?

Answer: M. H. Claytor

Explanation: M. H. Claytor is identified as the original owner of the Roanoke Daily Times.

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What happened to the Roanoke Evening News in 1913?

Answer: It was merged with the Roanoke Evening World and renamed the Roanoke World-News.

Explanation: In 1913, the Roanoke Evening News was merged with the Roanoke Evening World, leading to the establishment of the Roanoke World-News.

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Which banker headed the group that purchased The Roanoke Times in 1909?

Answer: J. B. Fishburn

Explanation: The group that purchased The Roanoke Times in 1909 was led by banker J. B. Fishburn.

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What corporation was formed in 1909 to own both The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News?

Answer: Times-World Corporation

Explanation: The Times-World Corporation was established in 1909 to serve as the ownership entity for both The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News.

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Corporate Evolution and Ownership Changes (1909-Present)

The Times-World Corporation was formed in 1909 to own only The Roanoke Times.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Times-World Corporation was established in 1909 to own both The Roanoke Times and the newly formed Roanoke World-News, following the merger of evening papers.

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Times-World Corporation expanded into broadcasting by purchasing WDBJ in 1931.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1931, Times-World Corporation diversified its holdings by acquiring WDBJ, which was Roanoke's first radio station, marking its entry into broadcasting.

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Times-World Corporation eventually owned television stations but never owned radio stations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Times-World Corporation initially purchased radio station WDBJ in 1931 and later developed an FM radio station and a television station, thus owning both radio and television properties.

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Landmark Communications acquired Times-World Corporation in 1969.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1969, Landmark Communications acquired Times-World Corporation, integrating its newspaper and broadcasting assets.

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After the 1969 merger, Landmark Communications retained both the newspaper and broadcasting properties.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the 1969 acquisition by Landmark Communications, the broadcasting properties were divested, while Landmark retained the newspaper operations.

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Berkshire Hathaway purchased The Roanoke Times in 2013.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2013, BH Media Group, an entity associated with Berkshire Hathaway, acquired The Roanoke Times.

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The Times-World Corporation was formed after the merger of The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke Evening World.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Times-World Corporation was formed in 1909 to own The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News (which was formed by merging the Roanoke Evening News and Roanoke Evening World). The formation predates the merger that created the World-News.

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The Roanoke Times was acquired by BH Media Group, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2013, BH Media Group, an entity associated with Berkshire Hathaway, acquired The Roanoke Times.

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Who is the current owner of The Roanoke Times?

Answer: Lee Enterprises

Explanation: The Roanoke Times is currently owned by Lee Enterprises.

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In what year did Times-World Corporation diversify into broadcasting by purchasing WDBJ?

Answer: 1931

Explanation: Times-World Corporation expanded into the broadcasting sector in 1931 with the acquisition of WDBJ.

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What happened to the broadcasting properties of Times-World Corporation after the 1969 merger with Landmark Communications?

Answer: The broadcasting properties were divested by Landmark Communications.

Explanation: Following the 1969 merger with Landmark Communications, the broadcasting assets of Times-World Corporation were divested.

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Which company acquired The Roanoke Times in 2013?

Answer: Berkshire Hathaway's BH Media Group

Explanation: In 2013, The Roanoke Times was acquired by BH Media Group, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway.

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Which of the following newspapers became a sister publication to The Roanoke Times after the 2013 acquisition?

Answer: The Richmond Times-Dispatch

Explanation: Following the 2013 acquisition by BH Media Group, The Roanoke Times became a sister publication to newspapers such as the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the News & Advance of Lynchburg.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a sister publication of The Roanoke Times after the 2013 acquisition?

Answer: The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk

Explanation: While the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the News & Advance of Lynchburg are mentioned as sister publications post-2013 acquisition, The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk is not explicitly listed as such in the provided context.

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What was the purpose of the Times-World Corporation's expansion into broadcasting in 1931?

Answer: To diversify the company's media holdings.

Explanation: The expansion into broadcasting by Times-World Corporation in 1931 served the strategic purpose of diversifying the company's media portfolio.

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Publication History and Consolidation

In 1977, The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News were merged into a single publication called The Roanoke Times.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1977, The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News were merged into a single publication, but it was initially named The Roanoke Times & World-News.

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The designation 'World-News' was removed from the newspaper's title in 1995.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'World-News' suffix was officially dropped from the newspaper's masthead in 1995, reverting the title to simply The Roanoke Times.

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The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News were combined into a single publication in 1977, which was then renamed The Roanoke Times in 1995.

Answer: True

Explanation: The merger occurred in 1977, creating 'The Roanoke Times & World-News'. The 'World-News' designation was subsequently removed in 1995, leaving the title as The Roanoke Times.

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What was the newspaper's title after the merger of The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News in 1977?

Answer: The Roanoke Times & World-News

Explanation: The merger of The Roanoke Times and the Roanoke World-News in 1977 resulted in a combined publication titled The Roanoke Times & World-News.

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When did the 'World-News' part of the newspaper's title get removed?

Answer: 1995

Explanation: The designation 'World-News' was removed from the newspaper's title in 1995.

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Journalistic Impact and Recognition

The investigation into International Marketing & Engineering Inc. was featured on the television program '20/20'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The investigation into International Marketing & Engineering Inc. by The Roanoke Times was featured on the CBS news program *60 Minutes*, not '20/20'.

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The flood covered extensively by The Roanoke Times in November 1985 resulted in no fatalities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The flood event in November 1985, extensively covered by The Roanoke Times, resulted in 10 fatalities.

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The Roanoke Times reported on a hate crime shooting at the Backstreet Cafe in 2000.

Answer: True

Explanation: In September 2000, The Roanoke Times reported on a shooting incident at the Backstreet Cafe, which was motivated by anti-gay hate.

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The Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007 led to the deaths of 23 people.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007 resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals.

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Roanoke City councilman Alfred Dowe resigned after being exposed for double-billing taxpayers for expenses.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following The Roanoke Times' exposure of his double-billing of travel expenses, Roanoke City councilman Alfred Dowe resigned from his position.

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The Roanoke Times reported the on-air murders of two local news anchors in August 2015.

Answer: False

Explanation: In August 2015, The Roanoke Times reported on the on-air murders of two journalists, Alison Parker and Adam Ward, who were affiliated with WDBJ-TV, not local news anchors in a general sense.

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The Roanoke Times received the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Award for General Excellence in 2007.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 2007, The Roanoke Times was honored with the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Award for General Excellence.

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The Roanoke Times received national recognition for an investigation into which company in 1979?

Answer: International Marketing & Engineering Inc.

Explanation: In 1979, The Roanoke Times conducted a significant investigation into International Marketing & Engineering Inc., which garnered national attention.

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Which award did The Roanoke Times receive for its 1979 investigation?

Answer: The Virginia Press Association's W. S. Copeland Award

Explanation: For its investigation into International Marketing & Engineering Inc., The Roanoke Times received the Virginia Press Association's highest honor, the W. S. Copeland Award.

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What natural disaster did The Roanoke Times cover extensively in November 1985?

Answer: A major flood following Hurricane Juan

Explanation: In November 1985, The Roanoke Times provided extensive coverage of the significant flood that occurred in the region subsequent to Hurricane Juan.

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In September 2000, The Roanoke Times reported on a shooting incident motivated by what specific type of hatred?

Answer: Hatred towards gay and lesbian clientele

Explanation: The September 2000 report by The Roanoke Times detailed a shooting incident motivated by anti-gay hate, occurring at the Backstreet Cafe.

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The Roanoke Times covered the tragic Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007. How many people died in this event?

Answer: 32

Explanation: The Virginia Tech massacre, covered by The Roanoke Times in April 2007, resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals.

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What action did Roanoke City councilman Alfred Dowe take after The Roanoke Times exposed his expense billing practices?

Answer: He resigned from his position.

Explanation: Following the exposure of his double-billing practices by The Roanoke Times, Roanoke City councilman Alfred Dowe submitted his resignation.

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In August 2015, The Roanoke Times reported on the murders of two journalists from which local television station?

Answer: WDBJ-TV

Explanation: The Roanoke Times reported on the August 2015 murders of two journalists, Alison Parker and Adam Ward, who were affiliated with WDBJ-TV.

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In what year was The Roanoke Times honored with the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Award for General Excellence?

Answer: 2007

Explanation: The Roanoke Times received the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Award for General Excellence in the year 2007.

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The Roanoke Times' investigation into International Marketing & Engineering Inc. was also featured on which well-known CBS news program?

Answer: 60 Minutes

Explanation: The significant investigation conducted by The Roanoke Times into International Marketing & Engineering Inc. was subsequently highlighted on the CBS news program *60 Minutes*.

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What was the approximate total amount councilman Alfred Dowe billed taxpayers twice, according to the 2008 report?

Answer: $15,000

Explanation: The 2008 report indicated that Roanoke City councilman Alfred Dowe had billed taxpayers approximately $15,000 twice for expenses.

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Key Personnel and Contributions

Bill Brill worked for The Roanoke Times as a sports editor from 1960 to 1991.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bill Brill served as a writer and columnist for The Roanoke Times, and notably as its sports editor, from 1960 to 1991.

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Beth Macy was a reporter for The Roanoke Times from 1989 to 2014.

Answer: True

Explanation: Beth Macy contributed as a reporter for The Roanoke Times during the period spanning 1989 to 2014.

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Mike Allen wrote the 'Arts & Extras' column for The Roanoke Times from 2009 to 2021.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mike Allen authored the 'Arts & Extras' column for The Roanoke Times during the years 2009 through 2021.

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Which of the following is a notable writer mentioned as having worked for The Roanoke Times?

Answer: Bill Brill

Explanation: Bill Brill is cited as a notable writer and former sports editor who worked for The Roanoke Times.

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Beth Macy, a reporter for The Roanoke Times, worked there during which period?

Answer: 1989-2014

Explanation: Beth Macy served as a reporter for The Roanoke Times from 1989 to 2014.

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Who writes the 'Weather Journal' column for The Roanoke Times?

Answer: Kevin Myatt

Explanation: Kevin Myatt is the author of the 'Weather Journal' column for The Roanoke Times.

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Operational Aspects and Reach

The Roanoke Times is the primary newspaper serving the western part of Virginia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Roanoke Times is identified as the principal newspaper serving Southwestern Virginia.

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The Roanoke Times is published by Gannett.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Gannett is a major newspaper publisher, The Roanoke Times is currently published by Lee Enterprises, having been acquired by Berkshire Hathaway's BH Media Group in 2013 before its eventual sale to Lee Enterprises.

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The headquarters of The Roanoke Times is located in Richmond, Virginia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The headquarters of The Roanoke Times are situated in Roanoke, Virginia, not Richmond.

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Lee Enterprises acquired The Roanoke Times in 2013.

Answer: False

Explanation: Berkshire Hathaway's BH Media Group acquired The Roanoke Times in 2013. Lee Enterprises is the current owner, but the 2013 acquisition was by BH Media.

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The official website for The Roanoke Times is roanoke.com.

Answer: True

Explanation: The official online presence for The Roanoke Times is maintained through the website roanoke.com.

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The Roanoke Times' headquarters are located at 210 Church Ave SW Suite 100, Roanoke, Virginia 24011.

Answer: True

Explanation: The physical address of The Roanoke Times' headquarters is confirmed as 210 Church Ave SW Suite 100, Roanoke, Virginia 24011.

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The Roanoke Times operates a bureau solely for covering national news.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Roanoke Times maintains a bureau in Christiansburg, Virginia, which focuses on covering the eastern New River Valley and Virginia Tech, rather than solely national news.

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The newspaper is published in a tabloid format.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Roanoke Times is published in a broadsheet format, not a tabloid format.

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In 2011, The Roanoke Times ranked first nationally in weekday newspaper readership within its coverage area.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to a 2011 report, The Roanoke Times ranked fifth nationally in weekday newspaper readership percentage within its coverage area.

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The Roanoke Times' bureau in Christiansburg primarily covers national politics.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Christiansburg bureau of The Roanoke Times focuses on covering the eastern New River Valley and Virginia Tech, not primarily national politics.

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What is the primary function of The Roanoke Times?

Answer: The primary newspaper serving Southwestern Virginia.

Explanation: The Roanoke Times functions as the principal newspaper for the Southwestern Virginia region.

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In which city is The Roanoke Times headquartered?

Answer: Roanoke, Virginia

Explanation: The Roanoke Times maintains its headquarters in the city of Roanoke, Virginia.

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What was the reported daily circulation of The Roanoke Times in 2023?

Answer: Exactly 19,657

Explanation: As of 2023, the reported daily circulation for The Roanoke Times was 19,657 copies.

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What was the reported Sunday circulation of The Roanoke Times in 2023?

Answer: 22,103

Explanation: In 2023, the reported Sunday circulation for The Roanoke Times was 22,103 copies.

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What is the official website address for The Roanoke Times?

Answer: roanoke.com

Explanation: The official website for The Roanoke Times is roanoke.com.

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According to a 2011 report, what was The Roanoke Times' national ranking for weekday readership percentage within its coverage area?

Answer: Fifth

Explanation: A 2011 report indicated that The Roanoke Times ranked fifth nationally in weekday newspaper readership percentage within its designated coverage area.

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Besides its main headquarters, where else does The Roanoke Times maintain an office?

Answer: Christiansburg, Virginia

Explanation: In addition to its main headquarters, The Roanoke Times operates a bureau located in Christiansburg, Virginia.

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The Christiansburg bureau of The Roanoke Times focuses on covering which specific entities?

Answer: The eastern New River Valley and Virginia Tech

Explanation: The bureau situated in Christiansburg is tasked with covering the eastern New River Valley region and matters pertaining to Virginia Tech.

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The Roanoke Times uses which format for its publication?

Answer: Broadsheet

Explanation: The Roanoke Times is published in a broadsheet format.

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The Roanoke Times' headquarters physical address includes which suite number?

Answer: Suite 100

Explanation: The physical address of The Roanoke Times' headquarters, 210 Church Ave SW, includes Suite 100.

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