News World Communications: A History of Global Media Ownership
Founded in the heart of New York City in 1976, News World Communications emerged as a significant player in the international media landscape. Established by Sun Myung Moon, the leader and founder of the Unification Church, the organization was designed to manage a diverse portfolio of news outlets across different languages and continents.
Early Beginnings and New York Roots
The company began its operations with two primary publications based in New York City. The first was The News World, which was later renamed the New York City Tribune. Alongside it, the company launched Noticias del Mundo, a Spanish-language newspaper. Both publications served the New York market from 1976 until the early 1990s.
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Expansion and Global Portfolio
Over the decades, News World Communications expanded its reach far beyond New York, acquiring and establishing media entities globally. The company's current holdings include the well-known news agency United Press International (UPI), the publication GolfStyles (previously known as Washington Golf Monthly), and major international newspapers such as Segye Ilbo in South Korea and Sekai Nippo in Japan.
The organization's historical footprint also included several other ventures that are no longer part of its portfolio, such as World and I magazine, Tiempos del Mundo, the Zambezi Times in South Africa, and the Middle East Times in Egypt.
The Legacy of The Washington Times
Perhaps the most prominent entity associated with News World Communications was The Washington Times. Founded in 1982, the newspaper was owned by the company for nearly three decades. In 2010, ownership shifted when Sun Myung Moon and a group of former editors purchased the paper from News World Communications under a new entity called News World Media Development, which also manages The World and I.
Currently, The Washington Times is owned by The Washington Times LLC, which is operated by Operations Holdings, a diversified conglomerate owned by the Unification Church.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1976 in New York City.
- Founder: Sun Myung Moon.
- Current Assets: United Press International, GolfStyles, Segye Ilbo, and Sekai Nippo.
- Notable Former Asset: The Washington Times (owned 1982–2010).
- Leadership Change: Hyun Jin Moon became chairman in October 2009.
Summary of Media Holdings
| Status | Publication/Entity | Region/Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Current | United Press International | Global News Agency |
| Current | Segye Ilbo | South Korea |
| Current | Sekai Nippo | Japan |
| Current | GolfStyles | Sports/Golf |
| Former | The Washington Times | USA (Political) |
| Former | Insight on the News | USA (Newsmagazine) |
| Former | Zambezi Times | South Africa |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded News World Communications?
The company was founded in 1976 by Sun Myung Moon, the leader and founder of the Unification Church.
Does News World Communications still own The Washington Times?
No. While it owned the paper from its founding in 1982 until 2010, it is now owned by The Washington Times LLC via Operations Holdings.
Which international newspapers are currently owned by the company?
The company currently owns Segye Ilbo in South Korea and Sekai Nippo in Japan.
When did the leadership change to Hyun Jin Moon?
Hyun Jin Moon took over as the chairman of News World Communications in October 2009.
What other news agencies are part of the current portfolio?
The company currently owns the global news agency United Press International (UPI).