By Special to the Daily World
DETROIT – Real Times Media (RTM), a Detroit, Mich.-based multimedia company, has announced that it has entered into a strategic alliance with the Atlanta Daily World (ADW) newspaper in Atlanta, Ga. Under the terms of the agreement, RTM will assume full operational responsibility for the 84-year old African American publication this month.
“Real Times Media is delighted to enter into this strategic alliance with the Atlanta Daily World”, says Hiram E. Jackson, chief executive officer, Real Times Media. “The Atlanta Daily World is one of the most storied and legendary newspaper franchises in America and Atlanta is one of the most important markets in the country.
“We believe that building a strong multi-media presence in Atlanta is key to the continued growth of our company,” Jackson said.
Concurrent with the new strategic alliance, a partnership headed by a number of Real Times Media owners including William F. Pickard and Hiram E. Jackson, acquired 100% of the ownership of the Atlanta Daily World.
Founded in 1928 by William A. Scott II, the Atlanta Daily World is Atlanta’s oldest Black-owned newspaper. It was run over 63 years by C.A. Scott, editor and general manager and later publisher after the World became a corporation.
“The Scott Family is pleased with the marriage of the Atlanta Daily World and the Real Times Family,” said William A. Scott IV. M. Alexis Scott will continue as publisher.
“The Atlanta Daily World is excited to become a part of Real Times,” Alexis Scott said. “This is truly a new beginning for the paper. The resources that are now available will enable us to diversify into a multi-media platform.”
In becoming part of RTM, the ADW joins five other historic African American newspapers including the Chicago Defender, the Michigan Chronicle, The Michigan FrontPage, the New Pittsburgh Courier, and the Tri-State Defender in Memphis, Tenn.
In addition to its newspaper holdings, Real Times Media is parent company to Who’s Who Publishing Company, the leading provider of content celebrating professional achievement in the African American and Latino markets; and RTM Digital Studios, an archival image licensing company dedicated to artifacts from the past 100 years of the African American experience.
“The Real Times approach is more than the printed word—our newspapers are continually evolving and remain focused on a 360 degree integration of print, digital opportunities and engagement marketing. That’s why we expect the Atlanta Daily World and our other brands to continue to buck industry trends and continue to grow,” Jackson added.