Wick Communications A Legacy of Family-Owned Media

Wick Communications (formerly known as the Wick Newspaper Group) is a prominent family-owned media company that operates a diverse portfolio of newspapers, websites, and specialty publications. Headquartered in Sierra Vista, Arizona, the company maintains a strong presence across Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.

The Wick Family Legacy

The company's roots trace back to brothers Milton I. Wick and James Lester Wick, who first entered the business world by employing college students to sell books to farmers. In 1926, the duo purchased their first newspaper, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to journalism.

While Milton focused on managing the business and expanding the portfolio to 27 papers, James pursued a career as a foreign correspondent in Europe and a political analyst. James is noted for his role as a pioneer in reporting from behind the Iron Curtain in Hungary and Romania, as well as being among the first U.S. journalists allowed into the Soviet Union following the death of Joseph Stalin.

Leadership Transitions

Ownership of the family business transitioned to Milton's sons, Walter M. Wick and Robert J. Wick, after James sold his interests to them shortly before his death in 1964. By the time Milton passed away in 1981, the group operated 40 newspapers. The legacy of the family has been recognized by the Arizona Newspapers Hall of Fame, which inducted Milton posthumously in 1996, followed by Walter and Robert in 2004.

In 2016, Francis Wick was named CEO, succeeding the generation of Walter and Robert. In August 2024, Francis announced his departure, and Josh O'Connor, an executive from Black Press, was appointed as the new CEO.

Strategic Acquisitions and Sales

Wick Communications has a long history of strategic growth and divestment. Starting with the Niles Daily Times in Ohio in 1926, the company expanded aggressively through the late 20th century, acquiring numerous titles such as the Sierra Vista Herald (1967), Argus Observer (1968), and Green Valley News (1978).

Recent Portfolio Changes

In recent years, the company has shifted its focus. Notable recent activities include:

• Acquisitions: The purchase of The Wenatchee World (2018), The Daily Journal (2019), and the Arizona Daily Sun from Lee Enterprises (2023). In October 2024, the company expanded into broadcasting by purchasing the NCWLife channel.
• Divestments: The sale of several papers to Carpenter Media Group and Paxton Media Group, as well as a significant sale of seven newspapers to Forum Communications Company in January 2026.

River City Newspapers

Established in August 1995, River City Newspapers, LLC is a joint venture between Wick Communications and Western News & Info. This entity was created to manage the Today's News-Herald in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Over time, River City has expanded its reach, acquiring several publications from Brehm Communications in 2022, including the Mohave Valley Daily News and the Wickenburg Sun.