Port Angeles Evening News: A Century of Local Journalism
The Port Angeles Evening News has served as a vital source of information for the Olympic Peninsula for over a century. From its humble beginnings as a local venture to its integration into larger publishing networks, the paper's journey reflects the evolving landscape of American community journalism.
Founding and Early Family Ownership
The publication was established in 1916 by A.A. Smith and E. B. Webster. At the time of its inception, the founders were also owners of the Tribune-Times and the Olympic-Leader. The ownership structure shifted in 1919 when Smith sold his interests to John Schweitzer, William D. Welsh, and E. B. Webster.
For several decades, the paper remained a family-led operation. E. B. Webster managed the publication until 1936, after which his widow took over the business until 1940. Ownership then passed to their children. In 1961, Charles Webster consolidated ownership by buying out his siblings.
Expansion and Growth in the 1960s
Under the leadership of Charles Webster, the Evening News entered a period of strategic innovation in 1963. To better serve the surrounding region, the paper expanded its reach into the nearby cities of Sequim and Forks by appointing dedicated correspondents in each location.
This expansion led to a measurable increase in both advertising revenue and readership. During this period, the total circulation grew from 6,650 to 7,000. Following the death of Charles Webster in 1969, ownership was transferred to his widow, Esther Webster.
Corporate Transitions and Acquisitions
The 1970s marked the end of the Webster family's tenure. In 1971, Esther Webster sold the paper to the Longview Publishing Co., the owners of the Longview Daily News. By this time, the publication had grown significantly, reaching a circulation of approximately 10,000.
The following decades saw the paper change hands several times as part of larger corporate portfolios. In 1986, Persis Corp. of Honolulu, Hawaii, acquired the paper. This was followed by an acquisition by Horvitz Newspapers of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1994.
The Modern Era and Sound Publishing
A major transition occurred in 2011 when the paper was sold to Sound Publishing, a subsidiary of the Vancouver, Canada-based Black Press. This acquisition brought significant operational changes; the local press was closed, resulting in the layoff of 20 full- and part-time pressroom and mailroom employees. Printing operations were subsequently transferred to The Everett Herald.
Simultaneously, Sound Publishing expanded its local footprint by purchasing the Olympic View Publishing Company. This acquisition included local real estate publications as well as the Forks Forum and the Sequim Gazette, two competing weekly newspapers.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1916 by A.A. Smith and E. B. Webster.
- Peak Family Ownership: Managed by the Webster family from 1916 until 1971.
- Circulation Growth: Increased from 6,650 in the early 1960s to roughly 10,000 by 1971.
- Current Parent Company: Sound Publishing (a subsidiary of Black Press).
- Operational Shift: Local printing ceased in 2011, moving to The Everett Herald.
Below is a summary of the ownership timeline for the Port Angeles Evening News.
| Period | Owner/Entity | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1916 – 1971 | Webster Family & Partners | Founding and local expansion |
| 1971 – 1986 | Longview Publishing Co. | Transition to corporate ownership |
| 1986 – 1994 | Persis Corp. | Acquisition by Hawaii-based firm |
| 1994 – 2011 | Horvitz Newspapers | Acquisition by Ohio-based firm |
| 2011 – Present | Sound Publishing | Integration with Black Press |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Port Angeles Evening News?
The newspaper was founded in 1916 by A.A. Smith and E. B. Webster.
How did the paper expand its coverage in the 1960s?
In 1963, the paper expanded its service to Sequim and Forks by employing dedicated correspondents in both cities.
What happened to the local printing operations in 2011?
Following the acquisition by Sound Publishing, the local press was closed and printing was moved to The Everett Herald, leading to the layoff of 20 staff members.
Which other local publications are associated with Sound Publishing?
Sound Publishing also acquired the Olympic View Publishing Company, which owns the Sequim Gazette, the Forks Forum, and various local real estate publications.
What was the circulation of the paper when it was sold in 1971?
At the time of its sale to Longview Publishing Co. in 1971, the paper had a circulation of approximately 10,000.