WATERTOWN – James Clifford announced today that the Watertown Daily Times and the (Juneau) Dodge County Independent News have been sold to Adams Publishing Group.
The Clifford family has owned the Watertown Daily Times since 1919. James Clifford, chairman of the company, said this was a difficult day for the family but felt the Daily Times would be in a stronger position to compete in a challenging and fast-changing competitive environment as part of a larger group.
“My family and I have enjoyed being stewards of this important community institution the past 99 years,” he said in the release. “We believe we have selected a new owner that will carry on in the best interests of Watertown, the readers of the Daily Times and our wonderful employees.”
Clifford’s son, Kevin, is the fourth generation of the family to have worked at the company and currently serves as editor and publisher. He also serves as a member of the WNA Board of Directors.
Adams Publishing Group owns 30 daily newspapers, more than 100 nondaily newspapers and other enterprises operating in 20 states, including Wisconsin. Jeff Petterson, president of APG Central, also serves on the WNA Board of Directors.
