Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A History of Wisconsin's Leading Newspapers
The story of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is a reflection of the growth and political evolution of Wisconsin itself. From the fierce "bridge wars" of the 19th century to the digital transitions of the 21st, the publication has evolved from two competing partisan organs into a unified regional news powerhouse.
The Origins of the Milwaukee Sentinel
The Milwaukee Sentinel was founded on June 27, 1837. Its creation was a direct response to the Milwaukee Advertiser, a westside partisan paper that had published disparaging remarks about the city's east side. Funded by co-founder Solomon Juneau, the paper was launched by editor John O'Rourke.
Early years were marked by financial instability and intense political friction. Under the influence of Democratic politician James Duane Doty and later the Whig party, the Sentinel became a central player in territorial politics. By December 9, 1844, the paper transitioned into a daily publication, establishing itself as a major political force in the nascent state of Wisconsin.
The paper's leadership saw a variety of influential figures, including Jason Downer, a future Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, and Increase A. Lapham, a naturalist who contributed to the establishment of the National Weather Service. In June 1845, Rufus King, a West Point graduate and descendant of a U.S. Constitution signer, took over as editor, steering the paper through Wisconsin's constitutional conventions.
Growth, Conflict, and Innovation
During the American Civil War, the Sentinel experienced a surge in demand, sometimes printing five editions in a single day. This era also saw a significant social shift in the newsroom; due to a shortage of skilled printers, the paper began hiring and training female compositors in 1863, though they worked in a separate building from their male counterparts.
Technical frustration during this period led editor C. Latham Sholes to attempt to build a typesetting machine. While his initial efforts at the paper failed, Sholes later invented the modern typewriter after becoming a city comptroller.
The late 19th century was defined by corporate and political battles. The paper was eventually merged with the Republican and News to become the Republican-Sentinel, before dropping "Republican" from its name. This period saw the rise of investigative reporting, though the Sentinel often clashed with the Milwaukee Journal over the coverage of local corruption and safety hazards.
The Pfister Era and Hearst Acquisition
At the turn of the century, the Sentinel became a tool for conservative influence. After being sued for libel by utility magnates Charles F. Pfister and Henry C. Payne, Pfister simply bought the paper on February 18, 1901, to prevent his business practices from being revealed in court. He used the publication to oppose Governor La Follette, though his influence waned after it was revealed he had secretly purchased the editorial pages of roughly 300 state newspapers.
In 1924, the Hearst Corporation purchased a majority stake, eventually merging the Sentinel with the Milwaukee Telegram. This era also marked the expansion into broadcasting, with the establishment of radio station WISN and later WISN-TV in 1955.
The Rise of the Milwaukee Journal
The Milwaukee Journal began as The Daily Journal in 1882. It gained a reputation for rigorous reporting, notably through the work of Lucius W. Nieman. The Journal also attracted literary talent, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Edna Ferber, who served as a reporter from approximately 1903 to 1907.
Like the Sentinel, the Journal expanded into the airwaves. It purchased radio station WKAF in 1927 (renaming it WTMJ) and launched WTMJ-TV in 1947, which became the first television station in Wisconsin.
The Great Merger and Modern Era
By 1995, the economic landscape of print media had shifted. Facing rising newsprint costs and declining circulation for the Journal, Journal Communications merged the two rivals. The final separate issues were published on March 31 and April 1, 1995, respectively. The unified Milwaukee Journal Sentinel debuted on April 2, 1995.
In the 21st century, the publication transitioned from local to national ownership. On April 8, 2016, the Gannett Company acquired Journal Media Group for $280 million, integrating the paper into the USA Today Network Wisconsin. Today, the Journal Sentinel serves as a primary printing hub for Gannett's Wisconsin papers, continuing to adapt its layout and delivery for a digital-first audience.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 27, 1837 (Sentinel); 1882 (Journal).
- First Daily: The Sentinel became a daily on December 9, 1844.
- Notable Alumni: Edna Ferber (novelist), C. Latham Sholes (typewriter inventor), and Frederick Jackson Turner (historian).
- Merger Date: April 2, 1995.
- Current Owner: Gannett Company (acquired in 2016 for $280 million).
| Feature | Milwaukee Sentinel | Milwaukee Journal |
|---|---|---|
| Origin Year | 1837 | 1882 |
| Early Political Leanings | Whig / Republican | Independent / Investigative |
| Broadcasting Legacy | WISN Radio & TV | WTMJ Radio & TV |
| Key Historical Contribution | First daily paper in the territory | Wisconsin's first TV station |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Milwaukee Sentinel founded?
It was established in 1837 to counter disparaging comments made about the east side of town by the Milwaukee Advertiser during the city's "bridge wars."
Who invented the typewriter while working at the Sentinel?
C. Latham Sholes, an editor at the Sentinel, attempted to build a typesetting machine for the paper; although that failed, he later invented the modern typewriter.
When did the two papers merge?
The Milwaukee Sentinel and the Milwaukee Journal merged on April 2, 1995, due to rising production costs and declining circulation.
Who currently owns the Journal Sentinel?
The paper is owned by the Gannett Company, which acquired it in 2016 and integrated it into the USA Today Network Wisconsin.
What was the significance of the "female compositors" in 1863?
Due to a shortage of skilled printers during the Civil War, the Sentinel began hiring and training women to typeset the paper, a move that initially caused friction with the Milwaukee Typographical Union.