The Gazette: A History of Colorado Springs Journalism
The story of The Gazette is deeply intertwined with the growth of Colorado Springs. From its humble and somewhat turbulent beginnings in the late 19th century to its evolution into a Pulitzer Prize-winning publication, the newspaper has served as a primary record of regional events and a catalyst for global traditions.
Founding and Early Evolution
The publication's origins date back to March 23, 1872, when it first launched under the name Out West. While this initial venture failed, the company quickly pivoted, relaunching as The Colorado Springs Gazette. The first issue of this new iteration was published on January 4, 1873.
Decades later, the local media landscape shifted in 1946 when The Colorado Springs Gazette merged with the Colorado Springs Evening Telegraph to create the Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph. That same year, the publication was acquired by Freedom Newspapers, owned by Raymond C. Hoiles.
The Accidental Origin of NORAD Tracks Santa
One of the most enduring legacies of the newspaper began not with a headline, but with a typo. In December 1955, a Sears store based in Colorado Springs placed an advertisement in the Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph. The ad contained a misprinted telephone number for children to call Santa Claus.
On December 24, 1955, the error led to a flood of Christmas Eve phone calls from children. However, instead of reaching a department store, the calls were routed to the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center in Colorado Springs. This whimsical mistake sparked the tradition that evolved into the modern NORAD Tracks Santa program.
Journalistic Excellence and Recognition
The publication has earned prestigious accolades for its commitment to high-quality reporting. In 1990, the paper received a Pulitzer Prize for feature writing regarding a home explosion.
The paper achieved further acclaim in 2014, winning a Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. This award recognized the work of David Philipps, who utilized digital tools to investigate the mistreatment of wounded combat veterans. His reporting focused on the loss of benefits following discharges from the Army for minor offenses, which ultimately spurred congressional action. Shortly after this achievement, Philipps joined The New York Times.
Modern Ownership and Expansion
In 1997, the publication simplified its identity by changing its name to The Gazette. A significant shift in ownership occurred on November 30, 2012, when the paper was sold to Clarity Media, a subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation. Following the acquisition, Joe Hight, previously of The Oklahoman, was appointed as editor.
Continuing its growth in the digital age, The Gazette expanded its reach in late 2020 by launching The Denver Gazette, an online newspaper known for its conservative-leaning editorial pages.
Key Facts
- Founded: Originally Out West (1872), then The Colorado Springs Gazette (1873).
- Major Merger: Combined with the Evening Telegraph in 1946.
- Pulitzer Prizes: Won in 1990 (Feature Writing) and 2014 (National Reporting).
- Current Owner: Clarity Media (Anschutz Corporation).
- Digital Expansion: Launched The Denver Gazette in 2020.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1872 | Launch of Out West | Initial unsuccessful attempt at publication. |
| 1873 | Launch of The Colorado Springs Gazette | Establishment of the primary publication. |
| 1946 | Merger and Acquisition | Became Gazette-Telegraph; bought by Freedom Newspapers. |
| 1955 | Sears Ad Misprint | Led to the creation of NORAD Tracks Santa. |
| 1997 | Rebranding | Name officially changed to The Gazette. |
| 2012 | Sale to Clarity Media | Acquired by a subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did The Gazette contribute to the NORAD Tracks Santa tradition?
A misprinted phone number in a 1955 Sears advertisement published in the paper led children to call the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center instead of Santa, sparking the tradition.
What Pulitzer Prizes has the publication won?
The paper won a Pulitzer Prize in 1990 for feature writing on a home explosion and another in 2014 for national reporting on the mistreatment of wounded combat veterans.
Who currently owns The Gazette?
The publication is owned by Clarity Media, which is a subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation.
What is The Denver Gazette?
Launched in late 2020, The Denver Gazette is an online newspaper established by The Gazette with editorial pages that lean conservative.
When did the paper change its name to The Gazette?
The publication officially changed its name from the Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph to The Gazette in 1997.