Dow Jones & Company: A Legacy of Financial Journalism and Market Intelligence
For over 140 years, Dow Jones & Company has served as a cornerstone of global financial reporting. From its origins as a small operation run by three reporters to its current status as a powerhouse subsidiary of News Corp, the firm has specialized in translating complex financial data into actionable intelligence for the general public and professional investors alike.
Today, the company is led by CEO Almar Latour and operates a diverse portfolio of consumer and enterprise media brands, maintaining a reputation for accuracy and authority in the business world.
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Key Facts
- Founded: November 1882 by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser.
- Parent Company: News Corp (acquired in 2007).
- Flagship Product: The Wall Street Journal.
- Revenue: $1.5 billion USD (2019).
- Headquarters: New York City, New York.
- Core Focus: Financial publishing and enterprise data services.
The Evolution of a Financial Giant
Founding and Early Leadership
The company was established in 1882 by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser. Charles Dow, in particular, became renowned for his ability to simplify convoluted financial information, a philosophy that continues to define the company's editorial approach. The founders were later joined in leadership by Thomas F. Woodlock.
In 1902, following the death of Charles Dow, the company was acquired by Clarence Barron, the era's leading financial journalist. Upon Barron's passing in 1928, control shifted to his stepdaughter, Jane Bancroft. The Bancroft family maintained a dominant grip on the organization, controlling 64% of voting stock for over a century.
The News Corp Acquisition
The long era of Bancroft family ownership ended in 2007 following a high-profile takeover battle. News Corporation, led by Rupert Murdoch, launched an unsolicited bid of $60 per share, valuing the company at $5 billion. Despite interest from other parties—including Brian Tierney and MySpace co-founder Brad Greenspan—the transaction was finalized on December 13, 2007.
This acquisition was seen as a strategic move to provide instant credibility to Murdoch's then-new cable venture, Fox Business, while transitioning Dow Jones toward a more aggressive digital media strategy.
Products and Services
Consumer Media
The most prominent asset in the Dow Jones portfolio is The Wall Street Journal. Launched on July 8, 1889, the daily newspaper is a global leader in business and international news, winning 35 Pulitzer Prizes. It is currently published in nine languages across 12 different versions.
Other consumer-facing brands include Barron's and MarketWatch. The company has also experimented with millennial-focused platforms, such as Moneyish (launched in 2017) and Heat Street (later integrated into MarketWatch).
Enterprise Media and Data
Dow Jones provides sophisticated tools for corporate and financial markets. This includes Dow Jones Newswires, a real-time news organization competing with Bloomberg L.P. and Thomson Reuters, which served over 600,000 subscribers as of 2011. Additionally, Dow Jones FX Select provides global foreign exchange news and analysis in 13 languages.
In 2021, the company expanded its data capabilities by acquiring OPIS and Base Chemicals from IHS Markit for $1.4 billion.
The History of Dow Jones Indices
While inextricably linked to the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), the company no longer manages these indices. Dow Jones published the DJIA from 1882 until 2010, when News Corp sold a 90% stake in the indices business to the CME Group. By April 2013, the remaining interest was sold, completely removing Dow Jones & Company from the management of its namesake indices.
Corporate Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing / Financial News |
| Key Publications | The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, MarketWatch |
| Current CEO | Almar Latour |
| Ownership | Subsidiary of News Corp |
| Notable Acquisition | OPIS & Base Chemicals (2021) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dow Jones still manage the Dow Jones Industrial Average?
No. Dow Jones sold its interest in the indices business to the CME Group in stages between 2010 and 2013. The indices are now part of the S&P Dow Jones Indices joint venture.
Who currently owns Dow Jones & Company?
The company is a subsidiary of News Corp, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch.
What is the relationship between Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal?
The Wall Street Journal is the flagship publication owned and operated by Dow Jones & Company.
How many Pulitzer Prizes has The Wall Street Journal won?
The Wall Street Journal has been awarded 35 Pulitzer Prizes for outstanding journalism.
Who is the current CEO of Dow Jones?
Almar Latour has served as the CEO since May 15, 2020.