Tri-City Herald: A Century of Journalism in Southeastern Washington
Serving the vibrant Tri-Cities region of southeastern Washington, the Tri-City Herald has been a cornerstone of local news for over 120 years. From its humble beginnings as a small local weekly to its current role as a vital twice-weekly publication, the newspaper has chronicled the growth and evolution of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.
Owned by The McClatchy Company, the Herald provides essential coverage to the community, maintaining a legacy that stretches back to the turn of the 20th century.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1903 (originally as the Pasco Express)
- Headquarters: Kennewick, Washington
- Current Format: Twice-weekly broadsheet
- Ownership: The McClatchy Company
- Service Area: Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland (the Tri-Cities)
- Circulation: 16,776 daily; 18,715 Sunday (as of 2020)
The Evolution of a Local Institution
The history of the Tri-City Herald is a complex narrative of mergers, acquisitions, and name changes. The journey began in August 1903, when Elwyn P. Greene—a former pastor from Walla Walla who had previously established the Kennewick Courier—founded the Pasco Express.
Early Ownership and the Pasco Express
The early years of the publication saw frequent transitions in leadership. After Greene sold the paper to Charles T. Giezentanner in 1905, ownership passed to E.J. Jones and Lee C. Henderson in 1910. By February 1912, the Express had achieved significant local status, becoming the Official newspaper of record for the city of Pasco.
Following a period of various leases and management changes involving W.C. Sallee, W.Y. Sanborn, P.A. Roberts, and W.W. Quinian, the paper underwent a major transformation. In 1918, Charles A. Sprague and O.H. Olson purchased the publication and renamed it the Pasco Herald.
Transition to the Tri-City Herald
The mid-20th century marked the most significant era of growth for the newspaper. After being owned by Hill Williams and later Bill Wilmot, the paper was acquired in 1947 by a corporation led by Hugh A. Scott. It was during this period that the publication expanded from a weekly to a daily format and adopted its current name: the Tri-City Herald.
The newspaper also navigated a period of intense competition. In 1950, striking workers launched a rival morning paper, the Columbia Basin News. This created a rare market dynamic where the Tri-Cities became one of the smallest U.S. markets to support two competing daily newspapers, a rivalry that lasted until the News ceased publication in 1963.
Modern Era and Digital Transition
In 1979, Scott Publishing sold the Herald to McClatchy. Over the following decades, the paper adapted to changing reader habits. It transitioned from an afternoon paper to a morning paper in 1984 and added a Saturday edition in 1987.
In recent years, the Herald has undergone significant operational shifts to align with the digital age. In December 2022, the paper moved from carrier delivery to postal delivery, which included moving the expanded Sunday edition to a Saturday delivery. By 2023, the print edition transitioned to a twice-weekly schedule, publishing on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Publication Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Twice-weekly newspaper |
| Format | Broadsheet |
| Language | English |
| Founder | Elwyn P. Greene |
| Editor | Laurie Williams |
| Website | tri-cityherald.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities does the Tri-City Herald serve?
The newspaper serves the Tri-Cities area in southeastern Washington, which includes the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.
When was the newspaper originally founded?
The publication was founded in 1903 under the original name, the Pasco Express.
Who owns the Tri-City Herald?
The newspaper is currently owned by The McClatchy Company.
How often is the print edition published?
As of 2023, the print edition is published twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
What was the original name of the Tri-City Herald?
The newspaper began as the Pasco Express before later becoming the Pasco Herald and finally the Tri-City Herald.