San Francisco Examiner: A Century of Journalism and Evolution
The San Francisco Examiner has stood as a cornerstone of Bay Area media for over 160 years. From its origins in the mid-19th century to its modern era of free distribution, the publication has mirrored the political, social, and architectural shifts of San Francisco itself. Known colloquially by locals as "the Ex," this newspaper has transitioned through various ownerships, editorial styles, and business models to remain a fixture of the California media landscape.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1863 as the Democratic Press; renamed The Daily Examiner in 1865.
- Current Owner: Clint Reilly Communications.
- Format: Broadsheet.
- Distribution: Free distribution model implemented in 2003.
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California.
Founding and the Hearst Era
The newspaper's roots trace back to 1863, when it was established as the Democratic Press. Originally a pro-Confederacy and pro-slavery publication that opposed Abraham Lincoln, the paper underwent a radical transformation following the assassination of Lincoln in 1865. After a mob destroyed the paper's offices, it was reorganized and relaunched as The Daily Examiner on June 12, 1865.
A pivotal moment in the paper's history occurred in 1880 when mining engineer George Hearst purchased the publication. Upon his election to the U.S. Senate seven years later, he passed the paper to his 23-year-old son, William Randolph Hearst. Under Hearst's leadership, the Examiner rose to prominence, eventually earning the nickname "Monarch of the Dailies." Hearst transformed the publication into a morning paper and utilized yellow journalism—a style characterized by sensationalism and splashy coverage—to drive popularity.
During this golden age, the Examiner boasted a roster of legendary writers, including Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, and Jack London. The paper became famous for its intense coverage of global scandals and its patriotic fervor during the Spanish–American War.
Resilience Through Disaster and Competition
The 1906 earthquake and fire dealt a devastating blow to the Examiner, destroying its offices on April 18, 1906. However, the publication survived the catastrophe. As San Francisco rebuilt, the newspaper moved into the Hearst Building at Third and Market streets, which opened in 1909. The building's facade and lobby later underwent significant remodeling in 1937, designed by the renowned architect Julia Morgan.
Throughout the mid-20th century, the Examiner engaged in fierce circulation battles with rivals like the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Francisco Call. By the 1950s and 1960s, the competition primarily centered on the rivalry with the Chronicle. This era featured notable contributors such as the popular columnist Herb Caen and the poet Kenneth Rexroth.
The Joint Operating Agreement
To manage the intense competition, the Examiner and the Chronicle entered into a joint operating agreement in 1965. For 35 years, the two papers shared resources: the Chronicle published a morning paper, while the Examiner published in the afternoon. This arrangement lasted until the mid-1990s, when discussions regarding the Examiner's future began to intensify due to shifting revenue models.
Social Impact and the "Purple Hand" Protest
The newspaper has not been without controversy. In October 1969, the publication became the center of a significant social demonstration known as the "Friday of the Purple Hand." Members of the Gay Liberation Front and other activist groups protested against articles they felt disparaged the local LGBTQ+ community. The protest turned tumultuous when employees reportedly dumped printer's ink from the roof onto the crowd, leading to a night of slogans, purple handprints across downtown, and reports of police intervention.
Modern Ownership and the Digital Shift
The 21st century brought a series of rapid ownership changes. In 2000, the Fang family acquired the paper. Following this, Philip Anschutz and his Clarity Media Group purchased the Examiner in 2004. Under Anschutz, the paper pioneered a hyperlocal business model, focusing on compact, quick-to-read content and transitioning to a free daily format in 2003.
In 2020, Clint Reilly and Clint Reilly Communications acquired the San Francisco Examiner and SF Weekly. Under recent leadership, the paper reintroduced a broadsheet-style format and embraced digital engagement through specialized newsletters.
Summary of Newspaper Evolution
| Era/Year | Primary Owner/Entity | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 1863 | Democratic Press | Founding of the publication |
| 1887 | William Randolph Hearst | Rise of "Monarch of the Dailies" |
| 1909 | Hearst Family | Opening of the Hearst Building |
| 2000 | Fang Family (ExIn, LLC) | Acquisition of name and archives |
| 2004 | Clarity Media Group | Shift to hyperlocal business model |
| 2020 | Clint Reilly Communications | Acquisition of Examiner and SF Weekly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the San Francisco Examiner?
The newspaper was originally founded in 1863 as the Democratic Press.
When did the Examiner become a free newspaper?
The Examiner transitioned to a free daily newspaper on February 24, 2003.
Who designed the remodeled Hearst Building?
The facade, entranceway, and lobby of the Hearst Building underwent extensive remodeling in 1937 designed by architect Julia Morgan.
What is the "Monarch of the Dailies"?
"Monarch of the Dailies" was a slogan used by William Randolph Hearst to describe the Examiner during its period of high popularity.
Where are the Examiner's historical archives located?
In 2006, the archives of the Examiner were donated to the University of California, Berkeley Bancroft Library.