The Post and Courier: A History of Charleston Journalism
The story of The Post and Courier is a reflection of the evolution of media in South Carolina. From the early 19th-century hustle of rowing boats to meet incoming ships to the modern challenges of the digital age, this publication has stood as a central pillar of information in Charleston for over two centuries.
The Early Foundations: The Charleston Courier
The lineage of the publication begins with the Charleston Courier, founded in 1803 by Aaron Smith Willington. Bringing newspaper expertise from Massachusetts, Willington was known for his aggressive pursuit of timely news. In an era before instant communication, he would personally row out to meet ships arriving from major hubs like London, Liverpool, Havre, and New York City to secure stories before his competitors.
Willington also expanded the paper's reach by employing a translator, allowing the Courier to incorporate reports from Havana newspapers. Later in the 1800s, Rudolph Septimus Siegling served as editor, further shaping the publication's influence. In 1873, the Courier merged with the Charleston Daily News (founded in 1865) to become the News and Courier.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Rise of the Evening Post
In 1894, the Evening Post was established. While it initially struggled financially, it was rescued in 1896 by Arthur Manigault, a rice planter. The Manigault family maintained control of the paper and its successors for four generations. This family legacy culminated in 1926 when Robert Manigault, Arthur's son, purchased The News and Courier.
A Controversial Era
During the Civil Rights era, the News and Courier became known for its virulently segregationist stance. The publication was described by Time as the most segregationist newspaper in the South. This ideology was championed by editor Thomas R. Waring Jr. and staffer W. D. Workman Jr., the latter of whom ran for public office on a platform that united racial and economic conservatives in South Carolina.
The Path to Merger and Modernization
By the 1980s, the News and Courier and the Evening Post began sharing editorial staff. By 1991, it became clear that the Charleston market could no longer sustain two separate newspapers. Consequently, they merged into a single morning publication: The Post and Courier.
Throughout the 1990s, the paper expanded its reach as its parent company acquired additional television stations and newspapers. However, the late 2000s brought economic hardship. Between 2008 and 2009, the company implemented several cost-cutting measures to combat declining advertising revenue and a weak economy:
- A 2008 buyout offer led to the departure of 64 full-time employees.
- A layoff of 25 employees occurred on February 6, 2009.
- A company-wide furlough was announced on March 23, 2009, requiring five days of unpaid leave.
In recent years, the organization has continued to adapt. In July 2021, the paper moved its offices to 148 Williman Street. Most recently, in February 2025, the publication eliminated its print editions for Mondays and Tuesdays.
Key Facts
- Founded: The Charleston Courier began in 1803.
- Key Figures: Aaron Smith Willington (Founder) and the Manigault family (Long-term owners).
- Major Merger: The News and Courier and Evening Post merged in 1991.
- Recent Change: Print days were reduced in February 2025.
- Current Location: 148 Williman Street (since July 2021).
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1803 | Founding of the Charleston Courier |
| 1873 | Formation of the News and Courier |
| 1894 | Founding of the Evening Post |
| 1926 | Robert Manigault buys The News and Courier |
| 1991 | Merger into The Post and Courier |
| 2025 | Elimination of Monday and Tuesday print days |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the original Charleston Courier?
The Charleston Courier was founded in 1803 by Aaron Smith Willington, who brought his newspaper experience from Massachusetts.
How did the Evening Post survive its early financial troubles?
In 1896, rice planter Arthur Manigault stepped in to rescue the paper, beginning a four-generation period of ownership by the Manigault family.
Why did the News and Courier and Evening Post merge?
The two papers merged in 1991 because it became apparent that Charleston could no longer support two separate newspapers.
What led to the staff reductions in 2008 and 2009?
The reductions, including buyouts, layoffs, and furloughs, were reactions to declining revenue caused by a weak economy and a decrease in advertising.
What is the current print schedule of the paper?
As of February 2025, the paper no longer produces print editions on Mondays and Tuesdays.