But lately, the nation's largest newspaper chain has itself been hit by one legal or financial difficulty after another.

Five leading newspaper chains are now signed up to provide electronic information through three major on-line computer networks.

The head of the big newspaper chain kept him waiting the minimum time reserved for tycoons and cabinet members.

"It makes us into a truly national newspaper chain."

But he added that others in the newspaper chain or from outside the paper would also be considered for the jobs.

Palmer used the most modern press equipment and latest technology in his newspaper chain.

Several newspaper chains have reported pressure on earnings from lackluster advertising sales.

This is believed to be the first newspaper chain to operate in Australia.

His stated goal was to keep the paper from ever being acquired by a newspaper chain.