Winston-Salem Journal: A History of North Carolina Journalism
The Winston-Salem Journal stands as a cornerstone of news in North Carolina, reflecting the growth and evolution of the region it serves. From its origins as a late 19th-century afternoon paper to its current status as a modern news outlet, the publication has navigated shifts in ownership, technology, and the broader landscape of American media.
The Early Years and Founding
The Winston-Salem Journal began its journey on April 3, 1897, founded by Charles Landon Knight. Initially published in the afternoons, it entered a competitive market alongside the Twin City Sentinel, which also operated as an afternoon paper. The publication underwent a significant transition on January 2, 1902, when publisher D.A. Fawcett shifted the Journal to a morning schedule.
Innovation arrived early for the Journal. In 1903, A.F.W. Leslie and his son, A.V. Leslie, acquired the paper. Leveraging the elder Leslie's background as an artist and son of an engraver, the Journal became the first newspaper in North Carolina to incorporate photographs.
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The Era of Consolidation and Expansion
The mid-20th century was marked by the consolidation of local media. Owen Moon purchased the Journal in 1925 and subsequently acquired the Sentinel in 1927. The Sentinel itself had a deep history, originating as the Twin City Daily on May 4, 1885. It had previously absorbed the Western Sentinel (Winston's first newspaper, established May 16, 1856), which had taken over the Weekly Gleaner (founded January 6, 1829, by John Christian Blum).
By 1927, both papers moved into a shared facility on North Marshall Street. During this period, the Sunday edition was branded as The Journal and Sentinel. This era also saw the birth of local broadcasting; the AM, FM, and TV stations known as WSJS derived their call letters from the "Winston-Salem Journal Sentinel" because the newspapers owned all three stations.
Community Impact and the "Answer Man"
Under the ownership of attorney Gordon Gray, who bought the papers on April 30, 1937, the publications maintained a strong commitment to local communities. This spirit was exemplified by the popular "Call SAM (Sentinel Answer Man)" column, which debuted on October 10, 1966. Over the decades, various writers served as SAM or the "Straight Answer Man/Ma'am," providing a direct line of communication between the paper and its readers until the column's conclusion on October 6, 2024.
Modern Transitions and Political Stance
The landscape changed significantly on March 29, 1985, when the Sentinel published its final edition. This merger strengthened the morning Journal, boosting circulation from 73,000 to over 91,000, with Sunday numbers reaching 106,000. In 1994, the Journal expanded its technical capabilities by moving to a 140,000 square foot facility on East 5th Street, utilizing a Mitsubishi press to enhance color printing.
The Journal has also made headlines for its editorial independence. In 2004, it declined to endorse a presidential candidate. While it endorsed Republican John McCain in 2008, it shifted to endorse Democrat Barack Obama in 2012—the first Democratic endorsement since Lyndon Johnson in 1964. In 2016, the paper took a rare step by endorsing Libertarian Gary Johnson, citing a distrust of the major party candidates and the political status quo.
Ownership Changes and Operational Cutbacks
The latter part of the Journal's history reflects the economic challenges facing the print industry. After being owned by Media General Inc. starting in 1969, the paper faced several rounds of cutbacks. In 2010, Media General shifted copy editing and design to consolidated centers in Virginia and Florida, resulting in the loss of local positions and the closure of the copy desk.
Ownership shifted again in 2012 when Media General sold most of its newspapers to BH Media, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. In March 2020, Lee Enterprises Inc. completed a $140 million purchase of BH Media publications, including the Journal.
Recent years have seen further reductions. In June 2024, Lee Enterprises announced the closure of the Winston-Salem production print facility, moving printing operations to Virginia or Tennessee. Most recently, on November 3, 2025, the Journal transitioned to a six-day printing schedule, eliminating the printed Monday edition.
Key Facts
- Founded: April 3, 1897, by Charles Landon Knight.
- Innovation: First North Carolina newspaper to use photographs (under A.F.W. Leslie).
- Media Synergy: WSJS radio and TV stations were named after the Journal Sentinel.
- Circulation Peak: Following the Sentinel's closure in 1985, Sunday circulation reached 106,000.
- Current Owner: Lee Enterprises Inc. (acquired in 2020).
- Recent Change: Moved to a six-day print schedule on November 3, 2025.
| Year | Event/Owner | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1897 | Charles Landon Knight | Founding of the Winston-Salem Journal |
| 1903 | A.F.W. & A.V. Leslie | Introduction of photographs to the paper |
| 1925-27 | Owen Moon | Acquisition of both Journal and Sentinel |
| 1937 | Gordon Gray | Ownership by local attorney |
| 1969 | Media General Inc. | Corporate ownership begins |
| 1985 | Sentinel Closure | Consolidation into a stronger morning paper |
| 2012 | BH Media | Acquisition by Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary |
| 2020 | Lee Enterprises Inc. | Purchase of BH Media publications |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Winston-Salem Journal start?
The newspaper began publishing on April 3, 1897, as an afternoon publication founded by Charles Landon Knight.
What happened to the Twin City Sentinel?
The Sentinel published its final edition on March 29, 1985, which allowed the Winston-Salem Journal to increase its circulation and strengthen its position as a morning newspaper.
Why is the radio station called WSJS?
The call letters for WSJS (AM, FM, and TV) were derived from "Winston-Salem Journal Sentinel" because the newspapers previously owned all three stations.
Who currently owns the Winston-Salem Journal?
The paper is owned by Lee Enterprises Inc., which completed its purchase of BH Media publications in March 2020.
Does the Journal still print every day?
No. As of November 3, 2025, the Journal moved to a six-day printing schedule, which eliminated the printed Monday edition.