TRAVEL MEDIA | NEWS, TIPS & ADVICE
BBC Worldwide buys 75% of travel publisher Lonely Planet
Yesterday, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) bought a controlling stake in travel guidebook company Lonely Planet, gaining a catalog of 500 travel guides from Antarctica to Zimbabwe to boost holiday coverage on television and the Web and to expand outside Britain.
Editor's note: Weigh in and read more about the Lonely Planet-BBC deal on our Travel Blog.
BBC Worldwide Ltd., a BBC unit that sells books and television programs, acquired 75% of the publisher from Tony Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler, who founded the company in 1972, and John Singleton, a shareholder since 1999, the London-based broadcaster said. It didn't disclose financial details.
Lonely Planet, with operations in Britain, Australia and Oakland, will give the BBC a globally recognized travel brand and a television series that runs in more than 100 countries.
The Australian publisher developed a cult following among backpackers and other young travelers with its first book, "Across Asia on the Cheap," in 1973 and has since broadened its repertoire to appeal to a more affluent clientele.
How might this development might affect the future of independent travel and trip planning?
 Should we take offense, order a drink, or what? That depends, of course, on where you think these words turned up. |
 The National World War II Museum in New Orleans dedicates its latest building. |
Yalapa, Mexico: Stand-up paddle surf workshop in paradise
Stand-up paddle surfing. The first time you saw it at the beach you probably exclaimed, "Wh...
Read more »
Users' Favorites
Taking restless Southern California on vacation
Los Angeles Times e-mail newsletter, delivered every Thursday
wherever it appears.