Arkansas News Bureau

SPRINGDALE -- Stephens Media Group has acquired the newspaper La Prensa Del Noroeste de Arkansas from Eddie Vega, according to Sherman Frederick, president of Stephens Media.

Vega established the weekly Spanish language newspaper in October 1998.

No purchase price was disclosed. The acquisition was announced Monday.

Vega will remain as general manager of La Prensa and will become an employee of Stephens Media Group.

"We're happy to welcome La Prensa to the Stephens Media Group family,'' Frederick said in announcing the acquisition.

"The Hispanic population of Northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith area has been increasing in recent years," noted Tom Stallbaumer, publisher of the Morning News. "We believe this publication, which serves both markets, will allow us to reach this growing market segment.

"The resources of the Morning News will allow us to increase the market-leading strength of La Prensa and more effectively serve advertisers who want to reach this audience," Stallbaumer added.

Vega said he was very excited about the acquisition, adding it will give La Prensa an opportunity to expand and take its appeal to the next level.

Stephens Media Group operates 12 daily newspapers throughout the United States, including The Morning News. Stephens Media Group also operates a number of weekly newspapers and specialty publications, including El Tiempo Libre, the largest Hispanic newspaper in Las Vegas.