Gannett Acquires Belo

Gannett is acquiring TV station owner Belo Corp. (Dallas) in a $2.2B deal in a move that creates the No. TV group, reaching about 33 percent of the U.S.

beloThe transaction, which includes $1.5B in cash and the assumption of $715M in debt, bolsters Gannett's 23-member TV unit to 43 outlets.

It also reduces Gannett’s reliance on its shaky 82-unit newspaper operation for 70 percent of its $5.3B revenues in 2012 Belo spun off its A.H. Belo newspaper operation in 2008.

Gannett CEO Gracia Martore said the acquisition is part of the plan to transform the operation into a "diversified multi-media company with broadcast, digital and publishing components across high-growth markets nation wide."

The Belo outlets, which rank either first or second in their respective markets, move Gannett into new markets such as Texas and the Pacific Northwest.

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to antitrust and Federal Communications Commission approvals.

Martore says Gannett remains on the prowl for "new opportunities in the emerging digital media landscape."

Golis Goes to Atlantic

Andrew Golis, digital media director/senior editor at PBS's public affairs documentary "Frontline," will take the newly created entrepreneur-in-residence post at The Atlantic on July 15.

Working with the editorial, digital strategy and operations teams, Golin will bolster the Atlantic’s video and paid-content initiatives. He also will launch new products across various platforms.

At Frontline, Golis was responsible for integrating broadcast and digital programming. He worked in audience development via research, promotion and long-term strategy.

Prior to Frontline, Golis was blogging editor and politics editor at Yahoo News, and deputy publisher of Talking Points Memo.

Wallace Rejoins CNN

Kelly Wallace, former national correspondent at CNN, is rejoining the Turner Broadcasting unit as digital correspondent with a focus on women's issue.

Jeff Zucker, who took the CNN helm in the beginning of year, said the online assignment of Wallace plays up the network’s commitment to digital. She takes the post next month.

Wallace, who worked at CBS before CNN, left seven years ago for NBCUniversal's iVillage.

CNN is adding a new segment called "Parents" this month.

Paley Center Hires Ex-NYC Marketing Director

The Paley Center for Media has hired Maureen Reidy, CEO of The Argus Group, entertainment, sports, media marketing shop, as chief marketing officer.

She will oversee communications, digital, social media creative services and commercial revenues of the media archive, think tank/forum that was founded in 1975 by Bill Paley of CBS fame.

Reidy served as COO of IMG Fashion and was recruited by NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg to serve as CEO of NYC Big Events.

She also was COO of the NYC Host Committee for the 2004 Republican National Convention and worked for Donald Trump as president of the Miss Universe Competition.

The Paley Center also promoted Diane Lewis, VP-PA and programming, to executive VP-programming.