Century Publishing Inc. is a sports media company that has had a significant impact on the sports industry since its inception in 1947. The company was founded by Joseph J. Gentile, who had a passion for sports and a keen eye for business. Gentile started Century Publishing with just one magazine, "Boxing News," but the company quickly grew to include other publications covering a wide range of sports.

In the 1950s, Century Publishing Inc. acquired "Basketball Digest," a magazine that focused on the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the college basketball scene. The acquisition helped to establish Century Publishing as a major player in the sports media industry.

In the 1960s, Century Publishing Inc. continued to expand its reach with the launch of "Hockey Pictorial" and "Pro Football Illustrated." The latter magazine became the company's flagship publication and covered the National Football League (NFL) extensively. The success of these publications led to the launch of "Pro Basketball Illustrated" in the early 1970s.

In the 1980s, Century Publishing Inc. faced some financial struggles and was acquired by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. The company was rebranded as News America Publishing and continued to operate under that name until it was sold to K-III Communications in the mid-1990s.

Today, Century Publishing Inc. is a subsidiary of Sports Media Ventures and continues to publish magazines such as "Pro Football Weekly" and "Baseball Digest." The company has also expanded into digital media with the launch of "Football Insiders," a website dedicated to providing in-depth analysis of the NFL.

Overall, Century Publishing Inc. has had a significant impact on the sports media industry and has helped to shape the way fans consume sports news and information. Its publications have provided fans with insider access to their favorite sports and have helped to fuel the growth of professional sports leagues like the NFL and NBA.

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