The History and Evolution of the Deseret News
Since its inception in the mid-19th century, the Deseret News has served as a cornerstone of journalism in Utah. Founded with the motto "Truth and Liberty," the publication has navigated through eras of paper shortages, ownership shifts, and the massive transition from print to digital media. Today, it remains a significant voice, owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints via the Deseret Management Corporation.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 15, 1850
- Motto: "Truth and Liberty"
- Current Owner: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Primary Formats: Daily online, weekly print (local and national), and monthly magazine
- Headquarters: Triad Center, Salt Lake City
Founding and the 19th Century
The first issue of the Deseret News was published on June 15, 1850. This initial eight-page edition featured a prospectus by editor Willard Richards, news from the United States Congress, and a report on the 1849 San Francisco Christmas Eve fire. Originally intended to be the voice of the State of Deseret, it began as a weekly Saturday publication in "pamphlet form," designed so readers could eventually bind issues into volumes.
The early years were marked by significant logistical hurdles. Paper shortages were a persistent issue; by October 1850, the publication had to shift to a bi-weekly schedule. In the fall of 1851, the paper was unable to publish for three months due to a total lack of paper supplies.
Expansion and Ownership Changes
In November 1867, under the editorship of George Q. Cannon, the publication launched its first daily edition, known as The Deseret Evening News. This daily edition targeted city readers, while the weekly and semi-weekly editions served more rural areas of the territory. All three editions ran concurrently until December 1898.
To protect against potential property confiscation under laws like the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act, the paper's ownership was transferred to the incorporated Deseret News Company on September 3, 1880. During this era, the company also managed its own production, operating the Cottonwood Paper Mill near Big Cottonwood Canyon from 1883 until it was destroyed by fire in 1893.
The 1890s also saw a period of leased management. From 1892 to 1898, the Cannon family leased the news, printing, and merchandising operations. However, due to financial difficulties, the assets were transferred back to The Deseret News Company in 1898, eventually returning to the direct ownership of the LDS Church.
The 20th Century: From Print to Radio and Sunday Editions
The 20th century brought structural changes to the publication. On its 70th anniversary in 1920, the Deseret Evening News was renamed simply the Deseret News. By 1922, the semi-weekly edition was discontinued, leaving the daily as the primary news source.
The Rise of Sunday Publications
The Deseret News has a long history of experimenting with different publication cycles. In 1948, it launched its first Sunday edition, which featured a dedicated farm, home, and garden section. While a joint operating agreement with The Salt Lake Tribune caused the Sunday edition to cease in the 1950s, the agreement was later modified. This allowed the Deseret News to resume a Sunday morning edition on January 16, 1983, a tradition that continues today.
The Digital Era and Modern Transitions
As technology evolved, so did the Deseret News. The publication launched its first website, DesNews.com, in 1995. Over the decades, the domain evolved through several iterations before becoming Deseret.com in 2019. In 2010, the company underwent a major restructuring to become a "leaner, more online" organization, appointing Clark Gilbert as the first president and CEO.
The End of Daily Print
A major turning point occurred in October 2020 when the Deseret News and The Salt Lake Tribune dissolved their decades-long Joint Operating Agreement (an arrangement where two competing newspapers share printing and business costs). Following this dissolution, the Deseret News announced it would end its daily print edition on January 1, 2021.
The modern business model focuses on a variety of specialized products:
- Deseret News Local Edition: A weekly print edition for Utah residents.
- Deseret News National Edition: A weekly edition for a broader audience.
- Church News: A weekly compact-sized insert focused on LDS Church news, published since 1931.
- Deseret Magazine: A monthly publication.
Summary of Publication Formats
| Format | Frequency | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Daily | Global/Digital |
| Local Print | Weekly | Utah/Local |
| National Print | Weekly | National |
| Magazine | Monthly | General Interest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Deseret News?
The Deseret News is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the Deseret Management Corporation.
When did the Deseret News stop printing a daily newspaper?
The daily print edition was discontinued on January 1, 2021, as part of a transition toward a more digital-focused business model.
What is the "Church News" insert?
The Church News is a weekly, compact-sized insert published by the Deseret News that focuses specifically on news and information regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
How has the website changed over time?
The publication's web presence began with DesNews.com in 1995, later became DeseretNews.com, and was eventually rebranded to Deseret.com in August 2019.
What was the purpose of the Joint Operating Agreement?
The Joint Operating Agreement was a long-standing arrangement between the Deseret News and The Salt Lake Tribune to share printing facilities and reduce costs, a partnership that ended in 2020.