History of MLive Media Group in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2025

MLive Media Group, formerly Booth Newspapers, publishes newspapers in Michigan. Founded by George Gough Booth and his brothers, it was acquired by Advance Publications (owned by Samuel I. Newhouse) in 1976. The company plays a significant role in news dissemination within Michigan.

1976: Booth Newspapers sold to Advance Publications

In 1976, Booth Newspapers, founded by George Gough Booth, was sold to Advance Publications, owned by Samuel I. Newhouse.

1976: Advance Publications Acquires Booth Newspapers

In 1976, Samuel Irving Newhouse Sr. of Advance Publications acquired Booth Newspapers for $305 million.

July 1987: The Herald Company, Inc. merged with Booth Newspapers, Inc.

In July 1987, The Herald Company, Inc. merged with Booth Newspapers, Inc.

September 2002: Booth Newspapers acquired 21st Century Newspapers, Inc.'s Heritage Newspapers' Suburban Flint Newspaper Group

In September 2002, Booth Newspapers acquired 21st Century Newspapers, Inc.'s Heritage Newspapers' Suburban Flint Newspaper Group which had nine local papers.

December 2006: The Herald Company, Inc. merged with Advance Magazine Publisher, Inc.

In December 2006, the Herald Company, Inc. merged with Advance Magazine Publisher, Inc. but continues to operate under the Booth Newspapers name in Michigan.

November 3, 2008: NRA advertisement in Booth newspapers sparks controversy

On November 3, 2008, the day before the 2008 presidential election, many copies of Booth newspapers were delivered inside a white advertising wrapper, paid for by the National Rifle Association, with "Defend Freedom, Defeat Obama" written across the outside.

March 23, 2009: Booth Newspapers announces the end of The Ann Arbor News print run

On March 23, 2009, Booth Newspapers announced in The Ann Arbor News that it would end the paper's 174-year print run in July 2009, due to economic difficulties.

June 1, 2009: Booth Newspapers reduced publishing to three times a week

On June 1, 2009, The Bay City Times, The Saginaw News, and The Flint Journal would reduce publishing to three times a week.

July 2009: End of The Ann Arbor News print run

Booth Newspapers announced on March 23, 2009, that July 2009 would be the end of The Ann Arbor News 174-year print run, due to economic difficulties.

March 2010: The Bay City Times, The Saginaw News added a Tuesday edition

On March 23, 2009, Booth announced that The Bay City Times, The Saginaw News, and The Flint Journal would reduce publishing to three times a week, and the three newspapers would add a Tuesday edition in March 2010.

February 2, 2012: Booth Newspapers split into MLive Media Group and Advance Central Services Michigan

On February 2, 2012, Booth Newspapers split into two companies: MLive Media Group and Advance Central Services Michigan.

2012: MLive Media Group was established

In 2012, MLive Media Group was established as the Michigan brand for Advance Publications.

2012: Mlive contracted with Mark Torregrossa

In 2012, Mlive contracted with former WEYI-TV meteorologist Mark Torregrossa to run the website's weather section.

2012: Former 21st Century Newspapers-owned papers in the Flint area had all ceased publication

In 2012, the former 21st Century Newspapers-owned papers in the Flint area had all ceased publication.

2013: AnnArbor.com joined MLive Media Group

In 2013 AnnArbor.com joined MLive Media Group.

January 2014: MLive weather section received 13 million page views

By January 2014, the MLive weather section received 13 million page views.

2019: Advance Newspapers ceased publishing

In 2019, a similar group of Booth/Advance/MLive-owned community newspapers in the Grand Rapids area, operating under the banner Advance Newspapers, also ceased publishing.