The Anniston Star: A History of Journalism in Alabama
The story of The Anniston Star is a reflection of the evolving social and political landscape of Alabama. From its origins as a company-town newsletter to its role as a courageous voice for civil rights in the Deep South, the newspaper has navigated over a century of change, leadership transitions, and public controversy.
Founding and Early Years (1883–1911)
The publication began in 1883, established by the Woodstock Iron Company to serve the newly created company town of Anniston, Alabama. It was originally named the Daily Hot Blast, a title inspired by the distinct sound of the iron ore furnaces that powered the local economy.
Ownership shifted in the 1890s when Dr. Thomas W. Ayers, a local physician, purchased the paper. By 1910, his son, Harry M. Ayers, and businessman Thomas E. Kilby acquired the publication for $7,000 (approximately $241,875 in 2025 currency). The duo expanded their reach by purchasing the Evening Star, eventually consolidating both publications into what became known as The Anniston Star. Shortly thereafter, Kilby sold his interest to Ayers to pursue a political career as lieutenant governor, with the newspaper providing editorial support for his campaign.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Harry M. Ayers Era (1911–1960s)
Under the leadership of Harry M. Ayers, the newspaper adopted a boosterist editorial approach—a style of journalism focused on promoting the town's image to attract outside investment and celebrate civic achievements. Ayers was deeply embedded in the community, serving as president of the Anniston Chamber of Commerce and holding leadership roles in the Rotary Club, the American Legion, and various press associations.
Politically, the paper was a steadfast supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt, endorsing him in 1932 and throughout his four terms. While Ayers occasionally disagreed with specific New Deal policies, his personal support for Roosevelt remained firm. In 1937, the paper shifted its stance on Prohibition, abandoning its support for the ban on alcohol on the grounds that it had encouraged criminal activity.
The publication's growth was steady; by 1928, the Star had a circulation of 6,000 in a city of 30,000 residents.
The H. Brandt Ayers Era (1965–2018)
In 1965, H. Brandt Ayers took over the publication from his father. This transition marked a significant ideological shift. While the paper was initially skeptical of the Civil Rights Movement, it eventually became a strong advocate for school integration. This stance was rare for Southern newspapers of the era and drew the ire of George Wallace, who derisively nicknamed the publication "The Red Star."
Throughout this period, The Anniston Star remained one of the more liberal voices in a state that was trending increasingly Republican. It also became the flagship publication for Consolidated Publishing, which manages other titles including The Daily Home, The Cleburne News, The St. Clair Times, and the News Journal.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The 21st Century and Recent Transitions
The modern era has brought both operational and leadership challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthony Cook, head of the publishing company, announced the discontinuation of the editorial page. In a gesture of solidarity with his staff, Cook voluntarily furloughed himself to avoid laying off employees.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1883 as the Daily Hot Blast.
- Consolidation: Formed by the merger of the Daily Hot Blast and the Evening Star.
- Civil Rights: One of the few Southern papers to strongly support school integration.
- Parent Company: Consolidated Publishing.
- Political Shift: Transitioned from a boosterist local paper to a liberal voice in Alabama.
| Era/Leader | Key Focus/Stance | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| Founding (1883) | Company town news | Named after iron ore furnaces |
| Harry M. Ayers | Civic boosterism | Endorsed FDR; opposed Prohibition (1937) |
| H. Brandt Ayers | Liberalism & Civil Rights | Supported school integration |
| 21st Century | Operational adaptation | Discontinuation of editorial page during COVID-19 |
H. Brandt Ayers Controversy
The legacy of H. Brandt Ayers was marred by allegations of misconduct that surfaced during the Me Too movement. On January 2, 2018, Ayers admitted to assaulting reporter Wendy Sigal in the 1970s, claiming he had "spanked" her based on medical advice. Another former employee, Veronica Pike Kennedy, alleged that Ayers spanked her 18 times with a metal ruler in the newsroom in 1975; Ayers appeared to confirm this account.
Following further allegations of physical abuse and the spanking of female staff, H. Brandt Ayers resigned as head of Consolidated Publishing in March 2019. He was succeeded by his wife, Josephine Ayers. H. Brandt Ayers passed away in May 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of The Anniston Star?
The newspaper was originally founded in 1883 as the Daily Hot Blast, named after the sound of the iron ore furnaces in the company town of Anniston.
How did the paper's stance on civil rights evolve?
Under H. Brandt Ayers, the paper reversed its initial skepticism and became a strong supporter of school integration, making it a liberal outlier among Southern newspapers at the time.
Who currently manages the publishing company?
Following the resignation of H. Brandt Ayers in 2019, his wife, Josephine Ayers, took over as the head of Consolidated Publishing.
What other newspapers are associated with Consolidated Publishing?
In addition to The Anniston Star, the company prints The Daily Home and several weeklies, including The Cleburne News, The St. Clair Times, and the News Journal.
Why did the paper change its view on Prohibition?
In 1937, Harry M. Ayers led the paper to abandon its support for Prohibition, arguing that the ban on alcohol had actually encouraged criminal behavior.