Laurel Leader-Call: A Century of Local Journalism
For over a hundred years, the Laurel Leader-Call served as a primary source of information for the Laurel community. From its origins as a daily broadsheet to its transitions through various corporate owners and local revivals, the paper's trajectory reflects the broader shifts in the American local news landscape.
The Early Years and Consolidation
The publication's roots date back to August 11, 1911, when Edgar G. Harris founded The Laurel Daily Argus. This daily newspaper eventually evolved into the Laurel Daily Leader. In a move to consolidate local news delivery, the Laurel Morning Call and the Laurel Daily Leader merged on February 2, 1930, to create an evening publication known as the Laurel Leader-Call.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Corporate Ownership and Decline
Over the following decades, the newspaper transitioned through several corporate hands. It was owned by Thomson Newspapers for a period before being sold to the American Publishing Company in 1993. By 1999, ownership shifted again when the American Publishing Company sold the paper to Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. (CNHI).
The beginning of the end for the CNHI era started on September 1, 2011, when the company announced a reduction in its printing schedule. The paper moved to a four-day-a-week publication cycle, printing only on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. While the website continued to provide daily news, sports, and multimedia content, the entire operation—including the digital platform—was shut down by CNHI on March 29, 2012.
Local Revival and Modern Era
The silence was short-lived. In April 2012, Gin Creek Publishing, a local business that had operated the weekly The ReView of Jones County since 2007, purchased the subscriber list and the name of the Leader-Call. Consequently, The ReView ceased operations to make way for the rebirth of the Laurel Leader-Call.
The revived publication launched on April 19, 2012, as a three-day-a-week newspaper. Publisher-editor Mark Thornton expressed a goal to restore the "proud tradition" of the paper, harkening back to the era when the publication was family-owned.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Editorial Direction and Controversies
Under the ownership of Jim Cegielski, the Laurel Leader-Call became a platform for libertarian and right-wing perspectives. The paper's editorial history under Cegielski has been marked by stark contrasts. In 2013, Cegielski was praised for defending the publication of a story and photo featuring a lesbian couple's wedding, despite the fact that the State of Mississippi did not recognize same-sex marriages at the time.
In later years, the editorial tone shifted toward vocal support for Donald Trump. In a March 2020 op-ed, Cegielski described the mainstream media as "the real virus" regarding the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, in June 2020, he published a piece titled "The war against white people," in which he compared Black Lives Matter protesters to the KKK and claimed the group openly hated white people.
Key Facts
- Founded: August 11, 1911, as The Laurel Daily Argus.
- Merger: Formed the Laurel Leader-Call on February 2, 1930.
- Corporate Owners: Thomson Newspapers, American Publishing Company, and Community Newspaper Holdings Inc.
- Local Acquisition: Purchased by Gin Creek Publishing in April 2012.
- Current Format: Re-established as a three-day-a-week publication.
| Year | Event/Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1911 | Edgar G. Harris | Founded as The Laurel Daily Argus |
| 1930 | Merger | Laurel Leader-Call established |
| 1993 | American Publishing Company | Acquired from Thomson Newspapers |
| 1999 | Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. | Acquired from American Publishing |
| 2012 | Gin Creek Publishing | Local rebirth after CNHI closure |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the original newspaper in Laurel?
The original paper, The Laurel Daily Argus, was founded by Edgar G. Harris on August 11, 1911.
How was the Laurel Leader-Call formed?
It was created on February 2, 1930, through the combination of the Laurel Morning Call and the Laurel Daily Leader.
Why did the newspaper shut down in 2012?
The owner at the time, Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. (CNHI), folded the newspaper and its website on March 29, 2012, following a period of reduced publication schedules.
Who revived the Laurel Leader-Call?
Gin Creek Publishing, a local business that previously published The ReView of Jones County, purchased the name and subscriber list in April 2012.
What is the current publication frequency of the paper?
Since its rebirth in April 2012, the Laurel Leader-Call has operated as a three-day-a-week publication.