History of Las Vegas News Bureau in Timeline

The Las Vegas News Bureau, a promotional agency within the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) in the Las Vegas Valley, originated in 1949 as the Desert Sea News Bureau. Initially a branch of the local chamber of commerce, its mission was to promote local attractions. The bureau employed photographers and writers who documented the Las Vegas area and secured publication of these materials in national newspapers and magazines, aiming to boost tourism and enhance the city's image.

1948: Hiring of Steve Hannagan and Associates

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

1949: Creation of the Desert Sea News Bureau

In 1949, the Desert Sea News Bureau was established as a promotional arm of the local chamber of commerce. The bureau consisted of writers and photographers who chronicled local attractions for publication in newspapers and magazines.

1949: Hannagan's Departure and Frogley's Management

Later in 1949, Steve Hannagan left the Desert Sea News Bureau due to financial constraints. Ken Frogley then assumed management, continuing the focus on non-gaming attractions and seeking positive coverage in Los Angeles.

1953: Sands Hotel Floating Craps Table Photo

In 1953, the Sands hotel-casino installed a floating craps table in its pool. A Las Vegas News Bureau photo of gamblers playing in swimming suits, taken by Don English, was published worldwide and boosted tourism.

May 1955: Renaming to Las Vegas News Bureau

In May 1955, the agency was officially renamed the Las Vegas News Bureau. The Las Vegas Sun attributed Las Vegas's tourism success to the chamber of commerce and the bureau.

1955: Name Change and Continued Operation

In 1955, the Desert Sea News Bureau was renamed the Las Vegas News Bureau. In 1992, the LVCVA assumed operation of the bureau, maintaining its functions.

1956: Production of "Las Vegas: Playground USA"

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

1957: "Miss Atomic Blast" Photo

In 1957, Don English took a popular photo known as "Miss Atomic Blast," which featured Sands showgirl Lee Merlin in cotton resembling a mushroom cloud, reflecting the atomic testing common in Nevada at the time.

May 1992: Announcement of Las Vegas News Bureau Closure

In May 1992, the closure of the Las Vegas News Bureau was announced due to funding issues. The chamber of commerce felt the bureau's efforts were redundant, but the LVCVA took over later in the year and kept it open with a reduced budget.

1992: LVCVA Takes Over Bureau Operation

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

2002: Myram Borders' Retirement

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

2004: Exhibition of Images from the Collection

In 2004, the Las Vegas News Bureau exhibited 70 images from its collection, depicting significant moments in the city's history.

2007: Opening of Exhibits

In 2007, Two exhibits opened, with more to follow in the coming years to showcase the Las Vegas News Bureau's collection.

2007: Efforts to Digitize and Exhibit Collection

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

2021: Collection Size in 2021

As of 2021, the Las Vegas News Bureau's collection includes over 7 million photos stored in a temperature-controlled vault at the Las Vegas Convention Center.