Star Tribune: A History of Twin Cities Journalism
The Star Tribune stands as a cornerstone of news in the Upper Midwest, but its current form is the result of over a century of mergers, fierce competition, and evolving ownership. From its origins as a tool for political unification to its modern struggle with digital transformation, the paper's journey reflects the broader history of American print media.
The Foundations: Minneapolis Tribune and Daily Star
The lineage of the publication begins with the Minneapolis Daily Tribune, launched on May 25, 1867. Founded by Colonel William S. King, William D. Washburn, and Dorilus Morrison, the paper was specifically designed to unify the local Republican Party. The early decades were marked by a rotating cast of editors and publishers, including John T. Gilman and Alden J. Blethen.
The Tribune faced its first major crisis on November 30, 1889, when a devastating fire destroyed its downtown headquarters and presses, resulting in seven deaths and 30 injuries. Recovery came in 1891 when Gilbert A. Pierce and William J. Murphy purchased the paper for $450,000 (approximately $14.2 million in 2024). Under Murphy's sole ownership, the paper modernized its printing equipment and pioneered the use of halftone—a reprographic technique that allowed for the printing of photographs and portraits—and partial-color printing.
Parallel to the Tribune's growth was the Minnesota Daily Star, founded on August 19, 1920. Backed by Thomas Van Lear and Herbert Gaston, the Star was initially tied to the agrarian Nonpartisan League. However, its overt political agenda hindered advertising revenue, leading to bankruptcy in 1924. It was subsequently purchased by A. B. Frizzell and John Thompson, who transitioned it into a politically independent publication.
The Cowles Era and Consolidation
The trajectory of Minneapolis media changed in 1935 when the Cowles family of Des Moines, Iowa, purchased the Star. Gardner Cowles Sr. oversaw the acquisition, while his son, John Cowles Sr., moved to Minneapolis to manage the operation. The Cowles family aggressively expanded their footprint, purchasing the Minneapolis Evening Journal in 1939 and the Tribune in 1941.
This consolidation created a powerful media duo: the Tribune served as the morning paper, and the Star-Journal (renamed the Star in 1947) served as the evening paper, with a joint Sunday edition. By the mid-20th century, the papers were led by figures like William P. Steven, a former Tulsa Tribune editor who served as managing editor and later executive editor.
Under the leadership of John Cowles Jr., who became president in 1968, the papers adopted a more progressive editorial stance, frequently supporting liberal causes and the civil rights movement. However, the industry-wide decline of afternoon news led to the discontinuation of the Star in 1982. The two entities merged into the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, eventually simplifying its name to the Star Tribune in 1987.
Legal Battles and Ownership Shifts
The publication has not only shaped news but also legal precedent. In the 1983 case Minneapolis Star Tribune Co. v. Commissioner, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a Minnesota tax targeting specific newspapers on paper and ink violated the First Amendment.
The end of the Cowles family's 61-year tenure came in 1998 when the McClatchy Company purchased Cowles Media Company for $1.4 billion. This ownership was short-lived; in 2006, McClatchy sold the paper to the private equity firm Avista Capital Partners for $530 million.
The following years were turbulent. In 2007, publisher Par Ridder was removed from his post by a judge and subsequently resigned following allegations that he stole trade secrets (employee and advertiser data) from the rival St. Paul Pioneer Press. By January 15, 2009, the paper filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, eventually emerging after a plan approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
Modern Era and Digital Transition
Following bankruptcy, ownership shifted again. Wayzata Investment Partners took a majority stake in 2012, and in 2014, the company was acquired by Glen Taylor, owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. Taylor aimed to shift the paper toward a more balanced reporting style, reducing its liberal leanings.
The paper also expanded into alternative media by acquiring City Pages in 2015, though the weekly shuttered in October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and falling ad revenue. Recent years have seen significant structural changes, including the 2025 announcement to sell its Minneapolis printing plant and outsource operations to Iowa, alongside workforce reductions.
Despite these challenges, the Star Tribune saw a massive surge in digital engagement during the 2025-26 "Operation Metro Surge" federal immigration operation. By January 2026, its website became the second-most-visited local newspaper site in the country, with web traffic and subscriptions nearly doubling.
Key Facts
- Founded: The Tribune began on May 25, 1867; the Star began on August 19, 1920.
- Major Merger: The Star and Tribune merged into a single morning paper in 1982.
- Legal Milestone: Won a First Amendment victory against paper and ink taxes in 1983.
- Record Sale: Sold by the Cowles family to McClatchy in 1998 for $1.4 billion.
- Current Owner: Glen Taylor (acquired in 2014).
| Era/Year | Primary Owner/Leader | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1867 | King, Washburn, & Morrison | Founding of Minneapolis Daily Tribune |
| 1891 | William J. Murphy | Modernization and halftone printing |
| 1935-1998 | Cowles Family | Consolidation of city's major papers |
| 1998-2006 | McClatchy Company | $1.4 billion acquisition |
| 2009 | Lenders/Bankruptcy Court | Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing |
| 2014-Present | Glen Taylor | Shift toward balanced reporting |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Star and Tribune merge?
The merger in 1982 was primarily driven by the dwindling circulation of afternoon newspapers, a trend that affected the Star (the evening paper) and made a single morning publication more sustainable.
What was the significance of the 1983 Supreme Court case?
In Minneapolis Star Tribune Co. v. Commissioner, the court ruled that a Minnesota tax on paper and ink was unconstitutional because it targeted specific newspapers, thereby violating the First Amendment.
Who currently owns the Star Tribune?
The company is owned by Glen Taylor, who is also the owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) and Minnesota Lynx (WNBA).
How has the paper adapted to the digital age?
While facing layoffs and the sale of its printing plant, the paper has seen significant growth in digital traffic and subscriptions, particularly during major local news events like Operation Metro Surge.
What happened to City Pages?
Acquired by the Star Tribune in 2015, City Pages ceased publication in October 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a loss of advertising revenue; its archives are now held by the Hennepin County Library.