AIM Media Texas has acquired the publishing assets of the Raymondville Chronicle & Willacy County News, the weekly newspaper of record serving the Raymondville area and surrounding Willacy County.
The company announced the hiring of all current employees in conjunction with the transaction, which includes the website, www.raymondville-chronicle.com.
The Chronicle will join the other AIM Media Texas publications serving the Rio Grande Valley including the daily newspapers The Monitor, Valley Morning Star and the Brownsville Herald and the weekly newspapers the Coastal Current and El Extra.
“This 103-year-old publication has long been greatly respected and admired across the state of Texas and it was led for many years by the legendary editor-in-chief and publisher, Paul E. Whitworth,” said Jeremy L. Halbreich, chairman and CEO of AIM Media Management. “I knew Paul personally and long recognized his personal and professional dedication and commitment to Raymondville and all of Willacy County.”
“Since Paul’s passing in 2018, his daughter Diana Whitworth Nelson has admirably and capably continued his service to this area,” Halbreich added. “We are honored by the Whitworth family’s confidence in us at AIM Media Texas and it is our goal and strongest desire to continue their community service. We look forward to providing the guidance and direction necessary for this publication to engage its local audiences and to set the civic agenda and discourse in both online and print.”
Rick Starks, president and COO of AIM Media Management, welcomed the paper and its readers to the AIM Media family, which includes DigitalAIM, AIM Client Services and the Odessa American.
“This is an exciting time for the Raymondville Chronicle & Willacy County News. Carl and Jane Miller owned the paper from 1941 to 1976 when they sold it to our parents who were thrilled to be back home in the Valley. Growing up in the newsroom, my brothers and I heard their names often and hope Edie and Paul Whitworth will also be remembered for their dedication to Willacy County,” Whitworth Nelson said. “We feel confident entrusting the future of the paper to AIM who along with their CEO Jeremy Halbreich has demonstrated unwavering commitment to local journalism.
“We could not have continuously published the news for 47 years without the trust of our readers, support of our advertisers and the tireless work of our staff. They have our deepest respect and gratitude.”
