The Arizona Republic: A History of Journalism in the Southwest
For over a century, The Arizona Republic has served as a primary record of events in the Phoenix metropolitan area. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its evolution into a digital-first news organization, the publication has mirrored the growth and transformation of Arizona itself.
Early Years and Founding
The newspaper was established on May 19, 1890, originally titled The Arizona Republican. It was founded by a group of six individuals: Lewis Wolfley, Clark Churchill, John A. Black, Robert H. Paul, Royal A. Johnson, and Dr. L. C. Toney. This initial ownership lasted six years before the paper was sold to Charles C. Randolph, an experienced newspaperman from Washington, DC.
The early 20th century saw a series of ownership changes. On April 28, 1909, local businessmen S. W. Higley and Sims Ely purchased the paper from George W. Vickers. Higley eventually became the sole owner in December 1911, serving as president and manager until October 1912, when he sold the publication to Dwight B. Heard, a prominent Phoenix land and cattle baron.
Heard managed the paper until his death in 1929, after which executives Charles Stauffer and W. Wesley Knorpp took the helm. Under their leadership in 1930, the name was officially changed to The Arizona Republic. During this era, the company expanded its reach by acquiring the Phoenix Evening Gazette and the Phoenix Weekly Gazette (later known as The Phoenix Gazette and the Arizona Business Gazette).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Pulliam Era
In 1946, the newspaper was acquired by Eugene C. Pulliam, a Midwestern newspaper magnate. Pulliam owned and operated the Republic and both Gazettes until his death in 1975 at the age of 86. His tenure was marked by significant growth and a distinct conservative political influence. Pulliam is remembered as one of the influential business leaders who helped shape the modern Phoenix area.
Following his death, his holding company, Central Newspapers, Inc., was led by his widow and son. This period saw the consolidation of the family of papers; while the Arizona Business Gazette continues to be published, The Phoenix Gazette was closed in 1997, with its staff merging into the Republic.
To adapt to changing demographics, the paper launched "The Rep," a weekly section for college students, in 1998. It also developed specialized local sections to serve the various cities and suburbs within the Phoenix metropolitan region.
Gannett Acquisition and Digital Transition
The landscape of the publication shifted again in 2000 when Gannett purchased Central Newspapers. This move placed the Republic under the same ownership as USA Today and the local NBC affiliate, KPNX. This synergy led to the creation of the local news subscription website, azcentral.com. However, the partnership between the print and broadcast entities ended in 2015 when Gannett split into two separate companies.
Other notable developments during this period include the 2000 founding of the Spanish-language publication La Voz. On September 25, 2015, Mi-Ai Parrish was appointed as the publisher and president of both the newspaper and the azcentral.com website, effective October 12.
Key Facts
- Founded: May 19, 1890, as The Arizona Republican.
- Name Change: Renamed The Arizona Republic in 1930.
- Major Owners: Dwight B. Heard (1912–1929), Eugene C. Pulliam (1946–1975), and Gannett (2000–present).
- Digital Presence: Operates the local news site azcentral.com.
- Sister Publications: Formerly owned The Phoenix Gazette; still publishes the Arizona Business Gazette.
Circulation and Reach
The publication's reach has fluctuated over the years. In 2013, it moved from the sixteenth to the twenty-first largest daily newspaper in the United States by circulation. By 2020, the daily edition maintained a circulation of approximately 116,000, while the Sunday edition reached about 337,000.
| Edition | Approximate Circulation |
|---|---|
| Daily Edition | 116,000 |
| Sunday Edition | 337,000 |
The Don Bolles Murder
One of the most tragic chapters in the paper's history occurred in 1976. Don Bolles, an investigative reporter, was targeted in a car bombing in Phoenix. Bolles had been investigating corruption within local business and politics. The bomb detonated as he started his car to leave a meeting; he passed away eleven days later. It is widely believed that the murder was retaliation for his pursuit of organized crime in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Arizona Republic founded?
The newspaper was founded on May 19, 1890, under the original name The Arizona Republican.
Who was Eugene C. Pulliam?
Eugene C. Pulliam was a Midwestern newspaper magnate who owned the Republic and the Gazettes from 1946 until 1975, significantly influencing the civic and political landscape of Phoenix.
What is azcentral.com?
Azcentral.com is the common local news subscription website produced through the combined forces of The Arizona Republic and KPNX.
What happened to The Phoenix Gazette?
The Phoenix Gazette was closed in 1997, and its staff was merged into The Arizona Republic.
Who was Don Bolles?
Don Bolles was an investigative reporter for the newspaper who was killed by a car bombing in 1976 while investigating organized crime and political corruption in Arizona.