History of Las Vegas News Bureau in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 6, 2025

The Las Vegas News Bureau, a promotional agency within the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) based in the Las Vegas Valley, was established in 1949 as the Desert Sea News Bureau, a promotional arm of the chamber of commerce. Its core function involved a team of photographers and writers documenting and disseminating local attractions to national media outlets to enhance the image and appeal of Las Vegas.

1948: Steve Hannagan and Associates Hired

In 1948, the Las Vegas chamber of commerce hired Steve Hannagan and Associates, an advertising firm, to promote the city to tourists.

1949: Chamber of Commerce Created Desert Sea News Bureau

In 1949, the Chamber of Commerce created the Desert Sea News Bureau, a promotional branch, naming it after nearby Lake Mead. Steve Hannagan led the agency with a team of photographers and writers.

1949: Desert Sea News Bureau Created

In 1949, the Desert Sea News Bureau was established as a promotional branch of the local chamber of commerce, featuring photographers and writers to document local attractions for national publications.

1949: Hannagan Departs, Frogley Takes Over

Later in 1949, Steve Hannagan departed from the Desert Sea News Bureau due to financial constraints. Ken Frogley took over management, focusing on non-gaming attractions and seeking positive coverage from Los Angeles writers.

1953: Floating Craps Table Photo Published

In 1953, a photograph by Don English of gamblers playing craps in the Sands hotel-casino pool was published worldwide, boosting Las Vegas' tourism.

May 1955: Las Vegas News Bureau Name Change

In May 1955, the agency was renamed the Las Vegas News Bureau to emphasize its connection with the city. The Las Vegas Sun credited the bureau for contributing to Las Vegas' status as a tourist capital.

1955: Name Change to Las Vegas News Bureau

In 1955, the agency's name was changed to the Las Vegas News Bureau. This change emphasized its association with the city.

1956: Promotional Film: Las Vegas: Playground USA

In 1956, the Las Vegas News Bureau created a 13-minute promotional film titled "Las Vegas: Playground USA" with a $10,000 budget.

1957: Miss Atomic Blast Photo

In 1957, Don English took a photo of Sands showgirl Lee Merlin dressed as a mushroom cloud. It was named Miss Atomic Blast and it reflected the atomic testing that was common in Nevada.

May 1992: Closure Announced then Taken Over by LVCVA

In May 1992, the closure of the Las Vegas News Bureau was announced due to funding issues. Later that year, the LVCVA took over the bureau and kept it open with a reduced budget, with Myram Borders succeeding Payne as the head of the agency.

1992: LVCVA Takes Over the Bureau

In 1992, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) took over the operation of the Las Vegas News Bureau.

2002: Myram Borders Retired

In 2002, Myram Borders retired from her position as the head of the Las Vegas News Bureau.

2004: Las Vegas News Bureau Exhibited Images

In 2004, the Las Vegas News Bureau showcased 70 images from its collection, which included over 1 million negatives, depicting noteworthy moments in the city's history.

2007: Exhibits Opened

Exhibits of the Las Vegas News Bureau's collection opened later in 2007.

2007: Efforts to Exhibit Collection for Education

In 2007, the Las Vegas News Bureau aimed to display more of its collection for educational reasons, seeking to digitally archive it within five years for preservation and display.