Daily Herald-Journal: A History of Journalism in Logan, Utah
The story of the Daily Herald-Journal is a reflection of the growth and evolution of Logan, Utah. From its humble beginnings as a small local sheet in the late 19th century to its current status as a regional news source, the publication has undergone numerous name changes, ownership shifts, and mergers that mirror the broader trends of American community journalism.
The Early Years: From the Leader to the Journal
The lineage of the publication began on September 11, 1879, with the launch of the Logan Leader, edited by Frank J. Cannon. This early venture transitioned quickly; by September 3, 1880, brothers Benjamin F. and Horace G. Cummings acquired the paper. The Cummings family eventually sold their printing plant to a group of local businessmen who, on August 1, 1882, rebranded the publication as the Utah Journal.
By 1885, ownership was consolidated under John P. Smith, John E. Carlisle, and E.A. Stratford. The paper showed steady growth during this era, claiming a circulation of 1,000 by 1886.
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Turbulence and Transition
The late 1880s and early 1890s were marked by frequent leadership changes. In 1889, Robert "Bob" W. Sloan bought out Carlisle and Stratford, renaming the paper the Logan Journal. However, after John P. Smith withdrew in 1890 and Sloan faced legal troubles involving voter intimidation charges in 1891, the paper was sold again in 1892 to a group of businessmen who simplified the name to The Journal.
After three years of group ownership, the paper was leased to Charles England and Jesse Earl, who officially acquired full ownership by 1900.
The Rise of Competition in Cache Valley
For several decades, The Journal remained a primary voice in the region, but the 1920s brought new competition. In December 1925, Ralph R. Channell (owner of the Smithfield Sentinel) and Jake A. Wahlen (owner of the South Cache Courier) launched the semiweekly Cache Valley Herald. This move led to the merger of the Courier into the Sentinel.
The local media landscape remained volatile. In February 1926, Clyde F. Settle started the South Cache Citizen in Hyrum. Meanwhile, ownership of the Herald shifted from Channell to Leslie T. Foy in July 1926, with Wahlen eventually selling his interest to Foy later that year to revive the Citizen, which he subsequently renamed back to the Courier.
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Consolidation and the Modern Era
The modern structure of the publication began to take shape in 1928 when Scripps-Canfield, an affiliate of the Scripps League Newspapers, purchased the Herald and expanded it into a daily publication. A major consolidation occurred in 1931 when Scripps purchased the Logan Journal from Earl and England, merging the two rivals to create the Daily Herald-Journal.
In December 1975, the paper became part of Pioneer Newspapers after the company spun off from Scripps. The most recent major transition occurred in 2017, when the Pioneer News Group sold its holdings to the Adams Publishing Group. Reflecting the industry-wide shift in media consumption, the paper reduced its print frequency from five editions per week to three in 2019.
Key Facts
- Founded: September 11, 1879, as the Logan Leader.
- First Editor: Frank J. Cannon.
- Major Merger: The Daily Herald and Logan Journal merged in 1931.
- Current Owner: Adams Publishing Group (acquired in 2017).
- Print Schedule: Reduced from five days to three days per week in 2019.
| Year | Publication Name | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1879 | Logan Leader | First edition published |
| 1882 | Utah Journal | Relaunched by local businessmen |
| 1889 | Logan Journal | Renamed under Robert W. Sloan |
| 1925 | Cache Valley Herald | Launched as a competitor |
| 1931 | Daily Herald-Journal | Merger of Herald and Journal |
| 2017 | Daily Herald-Journal | Acquired by Adams Publishing Group |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the Daily Herald-Journal?
The publication was originally founded as the Logan Leader on September 11, 1879.
When did the paper become a daily publication?
The paper expanded into a daily publication in 1928 after being purchased by Scripps-Canfield.
How did the Daily Herald-Journal form?
It was formed in 1931 when Scripps merged the Logan Journal with the Daily Herald.
Who currently owns the newspaper?
The newspaper is owned by the Adams Publishing Group, which purchased it from the Pioneer News Group in 2017.
Has the printing schedule changed recently?
Yes, in 2019, the publication decreased its print editions from five days a week to three days a week.