Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A History of Wisconsin's Leading News Publications
The story of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is a reflection of the growth, political strife, and industrial evolution of Wisconsin. From its origins as a partisan weapon during the city's early "bridge wars" to its current status as part of a national media network, the publication has documented the state's transition from a frontier territory to a modern economic hub.
The Birth and Early Years of the Milwaukee Sentinel
The Milwaukee Sentinel was founded on June 27, 1837. Its creation was a direct response to the Milwaukee Advertiser, a newspaper that had published disparaging remarks about the east side of town during the "bridge wars"—a period of intense rivalry for dominance between the city's east and west sides. Co-founder Solomon Juneau provided the initial funding for editor John O'Rourke to launch the paper.
Early operations were marked by financial instability and deep political divisions. Under the influence of Democratic politician James Duane Doty and later the Whig party, the Sentinel became a central player in territorial politics. By December 9, 1844, the paper transitioned into a daily publication, marking a significant milestone as the first daily newspaper in the territory.
During this era, the Sentinel was shaped by influential figures such as Increase A. Lapham, a naturalist who helped establish the National Weather Service, and Rufus King, a West Point graduate and former superintendent of Milwaukee public schools. King's leadership saw the paper provide extensive coverage of Wisconsin's constitutional conventions in the 1840s.
Growth, Innovation, and the Civil War
The American Civil War brought both prosperity and operational challenges. The Sentinel's circulation surged, sometimes requiring five editions per day. However, a shortage of skilled male printers led the paper to hire and train "female compositors" in 1863, a move that caused friction with the Milwaukee Typographical Union.
This period of frustration with manual typesetting inspired editor C. Latham Sholes to attempt to build a typesetting machine. While his initial efforts at the paper failed, Sholes later invented the modern typewriter after becoming a city comptroller.
Political Influence and the Rise of the Milwaukee Journal
In the late 19th century, the Sentinel was often viewed as a mouthpiece for powerful Republican interests. This partisan lean led to the resignation of managing editor Lucius W. Nieman, who joined the fledgling Milwaukee Journal (founded as The Daily Journal in 1882). The Journal gained acclaim for its investigative reporting, such as exposing dangerous conditions in a local hotel that the Sentinel had defended due to stockholder interests.
The turn of the century saw the Sentinel fall under the control of Charles F. Pfister, a utility monopoly owner who purchased the paper in 1901 to protect his business interests and expand his conservative political influence. The paper became a staunch opponent of Governor La Follette during the Progressive Era.
Broadcasting and the Path to Merger
Both publications expanded into the new medium of radio and television during the 20th century. The Sentinel, under the Hearst Corporation (which bought a majority stake in 1924), operated WISN radio and later WISN-TV. The Journal similarly expanded, launching WTMJ radio in 1927 and WTMJ-TV in 1947, the first television station in Wisconsin.
By the 1990s, the economic landscape of print media shifted. Rising newsprint costs and declining circulation forced a consolidation. On April 2, 1995, the two historic rivals officially merged to become the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, resulting in the loss of 500 to 550 full-time positions.
The 21st Century and Gannett Acquisition
In April 2016, the era of local ownership ended when the Gannett Company acquired Journal Media Group for $280 million. The publication was integrated into the "USA Today Network Wisconsin," aligning its layout and digital strategy with Gannett's national standards.
Despite a push toward digital subscriptions, reports from 2021 indicated that approximately 90% of the paper's subscriptions remained for the print edition. The publication continues to evolve, most recently launching a redesigned Sunday edition in April 2024.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 27, 1837 (Sentinel); 1882 (Journal).
- First Daily: The Sentinel became the territory's first daily paper on December 9, 1844.
- Technological Legacy: Former editor C. Latham Sholes invented the modern typewriter.
- Merger Date: April 2, 1995.
- Current Owner: Gannett Company (acquired in 2016 for $280 million).
| Feature | Milwaukee Sentinel | Milwaukee Journal |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1837 | 1882 |
| Early Political Lean | Whig / Republican | Independent / Investigative |
| Broadcasting Arm | WISN | WTMJ |
| Final Independent Issue | April 1, 1995 | March 31, 1995 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Milwaukee Sentinel originally founded?
It was founded in 1837 to counter disparaging statements made about the east side of town by the Milwaukee Advertiser during the city's "bridge wars."
Who invented the typewriter in connection with the paper?
C. Latham Sholes, an editor at the Sentinel, invented the modern typewriter after failing to create a typesetting machine for the paper during the Civil War.
When did the Sentinel and the Journal merge?
The two publications merged on April 2, 1995, due to rising newsprint costs and declining circulation.
Who currently owns the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel?
The paper is owned by the Gannett Company, which acquired it in 2016 as part of the Journal Media Group purchase.
What was the significance of the "female compositors" in 1863?
Due to a shortage of skilled printers during the Civil War, the Sentinel began hiring and training women to typeset the paper, though they worked in a separate building from the men.