Hearst Corporation is bucking the trend in the North American newspaper industry and reaffirming its commitment to print with a major investment in press technology from Koenig & Bauer (KBA).

A KBA Commander CL web press with four reelstands, four four-high towers and two folders will come on stream in the first quarter of 2013 at the U.S. media major’s upgraded plant in Albany printing the Times Union, the leading newspaper in New York state’s Capital Region. The offset installation from the world’s oldest and second-largest press manufacturer replaces a letterpress machine installed in 1970.

Excellent print quality and more options for advertisers

“The Times Union has been the Capital Region’s most trusted source for news and information for more than 150 years,” said Hearst Corporation CEO, Frank A Bennack, Jr. “This announcement continues that mission for readers and advertisers, and greatly enhances the vibrancy of the newspaper. The capital investment affirms Hearst’s and the Times Union’s commitment to a printed newspaper while we invest in cutting-edge digital technologies at the same time.”

“Our new printing facility will enable the Times Union to provide readers with the finest product available and meet our clients’ continued demand for more options to enhance the effectiveness of their advertising,” said Hearst Newspapers president Mark Aldam.

“For readers, the experience of reading the Times Union will be like a move from analog to high-definition technology,” comments George R. Hearst III, publisher of the Times Union. “Our photography and graphics will be more lively and our type will be more readable. For advertisers, this advance means we’ll be able to offer great product flexibility. Not only will we be able to publish color advertising on every page of the newspaper, but we’ll also be able to accommodate multiple-format products – including sizes ranging from traditional broadsheet to tabloid, gatefold and variable-sized specialty products.”

Newspapers, magazines, TV stations, Internet and more

Hearst Corporation is one of the most diversified media groups in the U.S.A. Its newspaper arm, Hearst Newspapers, has more than 4,700 employees and publishes 15 daily and 37 weekly titles, among them the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union. Hearst Newspapers also operates digital marketing services and directories businesses under the LocalEdge brand. As well as publishing hundreds of magazine titles worldwide, including Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, ELLE and O, The Oprah Magazine, Hearst Corporation owns 29 television stations reaching 18% of US viewers, and leading cable networks such as Lifetime, A&E, History and ESPN. Other activities include business publishing, a minority joint interest in Fitch Ratings, Internet and marketing services businesses, television production, newspaper features distribution and real estate.

Respected newspaper

In addition to the Times Union Hearst maintains the state’s most innovative news website, timesunion.com. The Times Union also publishes several niche magazines and hosts major regional events. It is widely respected for its focus on local news and its watchdog reporting, particularly on state government and politics. The winner of countless regional and national awards for both its print and online editions, the Times Union has repeatedly been voted New York’s “Newspaper of Distinction” by the state’s editors’ association.

Cutting-edge technology for premium-quality newspapers

Comprising two press lines, the KBA Commander CL for Hearst will have a maximum rated output of 80,000 32-page or 40,000 64-page broadsheet copies, all in full color. One of the two KBA KF 3 folders will be engineered for multiple web widths. The advanced level of automation includes KBA RollerTronic roller locks, ink pumping, washing systems and color-register control to support quality excellence. The three KBA ErgoTronic console will be networked with KBA PressNet job scheduling and press presetting software.

“We are delighted to welcome Hearst’s Albany Times Union to KBA’s long list of newspaper customers around the world,” said KBA president and CEO Claus Bolza-Schuenemann. “Once again we have won the day with our latest innovation for newsprint, the Commander CL launched at this year’s IFRA Expo newspaper trade fair in Vienna. We are looking forward to a long-term partnership in the New York Capital Region.”