Indiana Plain Dealer: The Evolution of Three Historic Newspapers
The landscape of local journalism in Indiana has undergone a significant transformation with the creation of the Indiana Plain Dealer. This new weekly publication is the result of a strategic merger involving three storied newspapers, each with deep roots in their respective communities. By combining the legacies of the Huntington, Peru, and Wabash regions, the publication aims to preserve local reporting in a changing media environment.
The Legacy of the Huntington Herald-Press
The lineage of the Huntington Herald-Press is the oldest among the merged entities, beginning with the establishment of the Indiana Herald in 1848. Over the decades, the publication evolved to reflect its growing community, rebranding as the Huntington Herald in 1887. A pivotal moment occurred in 1930 when it merged with the Huntington Press to become the Huntington Herald-Press.
Ownership of the paper shifted in the early 1960s when Eugene C. Pulliam, the owner of Central Newspapers, Inc., sold the publication to his son-in-law, James C. Quayle. Following the death of James C. Quayle in 2000, his wife, Corrine Quayle, eventually sold the newspaper to the Paxton Media Group in 2007.
The Peru Tribune and Wabash Plain Dealer
While the Huntington paper grew from the mid-19th century, the Peru Tribune began its journey later, with its first edition published on April 16, 1921. Parallel to this was the Wabash Plain Dealer, which boasts a long history dating back to its founding in 1858.
The paths of these two publications converged in 1998 when Nixon Newspapers sold both the Peru Tribune and its sister paper, the Wabash Plain Dealer, to the Paxton Media Group.
The Formation of the Indiana Plain Dealer
In April 2024, the Paxton Media Group executed a final consolidation. The Peru Tribune, the Wabash Plain Dealer, and the Huntington Herald-Press were merged into a single entity. This consolidation resulted in the launch of the Indiana Plain Dealer, a weekly publication designed to serve the combined readership of these historic regions.
Key Facts
- Founding Date: The earliest ancestor, the Indiana Herald, was founded in 1848.
- Merger Date: The Indiana Plain Dealer was formed in April 2024.
- Parent Company: All three original papers were owned by Paxton Media Group prior to the merger.
- Publication Frequency: The Indiana Plain Dealer is published as a weekly publication.
- Component Papers: The merger included the Huntington Herald-Press, Peru Tribune, and Wabash Plain Dealer.
| Newspaper | Founded/Started | Key Transition |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington Herald-Press | 1848 (as Indiana Herald) | Merged with Huntington Press in 1930 |
| Wabash Plain Dealer | 1858 | Sold to Paxton Media Group in 1998 |
| Peru Tribune | 1921 | Sold to Paxton Media Group in 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indiana Plain Dealer?
The Indiana Plain Dealer is a weekly newspaper formed in April 2024 through the merger of the Peru Tribune, the Wabash Plain Dealer, and the Huntington Herald-Press.
When was the Huntington Herald-Press established?
Its origins date back to 1848 with the founding of the Indiana Herald, which later became the Huntington Herald in 1887 before merging with the Huntington Press in 1930.
Who owned the Peru Tribune and Wabash Plain Dealer before the 2024 merger?
Both newspapers were owned by the Paxton Media Group, which acquired them from Nixon Newspapers in 1998.
Who managed the Huntington Herald-Press before Paxton Media Group?
The paper was owned by James C. Quayle, who purchased it from Eugene C. Pulliam in the early 1960s, and subsequently by Corrine Quayle until 2007.
When did the Peru Tribune first begin publication?
The Peru Tribune was first published on April 16, 1921.