The Press: Mouthpiece Merged

Another step in the practical consolidation of the Hearst empire (TIME, July 5 et seq.) was accomplished last week when International News Service took over Universal Service. Universal was the personal mouthpiece of William Randolph Hearst. It went to his morning papers, carrying news written to reflect the Chief’s most cherished ideas. It also carried his biggest personal scoops, like the positive statement last November that Edward VIII would marry Mrs. Simpson.

While Universal operated always in the red, International News Service had inched into the black in 1935, doubled its list of clients to over 700 papers, mostly evening. The merger makes I. N. S. a 24-hour-service and gives it such feature writers as Damon Runyon, Bugs Baer and Louella Parsons.

Barry Farris continues as editor of expanded I. N. S.; Universal’s Seymour Berkson takes charge of the night wire; and at the top remains smiling Joseph V. Connolly as president of I. N. S. and prosperous King Features Syndicate.