The Herald-Dispatch: A History of Huntington's Leading Newspaper
The Herald-Dispatch stands as a cornerstone of journalism in the Huntington region, evolving through over a century of mergers, ownership shifts, and industry transformations. From its early 20th-century origins to its current role as a regional media hub, the publication has mirrored the changing landscape of American local news.
Founding and Early Evolution
The newspaper was established in 1909 following the merger of two local Huntington publications: the Herald and the Dispatch. By 1927, it became part of the Huntington Publishing Company, which was managed by Joseph Harvey Long, who also owned the Huntington Advertiser.
For several decades, the Long family maintained control of the company. This era of family ownership lasted until 1971, when the business was sold to the Honolulu Star Bulletin, and subsequently to Gannett ten months later. During this period, the Huntington Advertiser served as a companion afternoon paper until it ceased separate publication in 1979. Notably, before the Advertiser closed, the combined Sunday edition was known as the Herald-Advertiser, a detail accurately portrayed in the film We Are Marshall.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Ownership Transitions and Financial Challenges
The 21st century brought a series of rapid ownership changes. On May 8, 2007, the paper was sold to Gatehouse Media, followed by a sale to Champion Industries on June 29 of the same year. However, this period was marked by financial instability. In May 2009, Champion Industries disclosed a default on a $70 million loan from Fifth Third Bank and previous owners, leading to the elimination of 24 positions—approximately 15% of the workforce. Further layoffs occurred in October 2011.
In 2013, the trajectory of the paper shifted back toward local leadership when Champion Industries sold The Herald-Dispatch to Douglas Reynolds, a local politician and son of Champion's chief executive.
Expansion and Modern Operations
Under the parent company HD Media, the organization began an aggressive expansion. In 2014, HD Media acquired the Wayne County News. By 2017, the portfolio grew further with the acquisition of the Logan Banner, Williamson Daily News, Coal Valley News, and The Pineville Independent Herald from Civitas Media.
A significant milestone occurred on March 8, 2018, when HD Media successfully bid for the Charleston Gazette-Mail following that publication's bankruptcy. This acquisition also influenced production; in 2015, The Herald-Dispatch ceased its own printing operations, contracting the work to the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Consequently, the paper is printed in Charleston and transported 50 miles to Huntington for distribution.
Today, the organization also produces localized editions, including the Putnam Herald for Putnam County, West Virginia, and the Lawrence Herald for Lawrence County, Ohio.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: 1909 via the merger of the Herald and the Dispatch.
- Parent Company: HD Media.
- Regional Reach: Publishes localized editions for Putnam County, WV, and Lawrence County, OH.
- Production: Printed in Charleston and trucked 50 miles to Huntington.
- Recent Change: Eliminated the standalone Sunday print edition on July 16, 2023, replacing it with a combined weekend edition.
Publication Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Paid Circulation (March 2005) | Daily: 29,098 | Sunday: 35,552 |
| Key Acquisitions | Wayne County News, Logan Banner, Williamson Daily News, Coal Valley News, Pineville Independent Herald, Charleston Gazette-Mail |
| Localized Editions | Putnam Herald, Lawrence Herald |
| Current Print Model | Combined weekend edition (since August 2023) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Herald-Dispatch founded?
The newspaper was founded in 1909 through the merger of two Huntington-based newspapers, the Herald and the Dispatch.
Who currently owns the newspaper?
The newspaper is owned by HD Media, which acquired it from Champion Industries in 2013 via Douglas Reynolds.
Where is the newspaper printed?
Since 2015, the paper has been printed in Charleston by the Charleston Gazette-Mail and then transported 50 miles to Huntington.
What happened to the Sunday print edition?
On July 16, 2023, the newspaper announced the elimination of the separate Sunday print edition, moving to a combined weekend edition starting August 5, 2023.
Which other publications are associated with HD Media?
HD Media's portfolio includes the Charleston Gazette-Mail, the Wayne County News, the Logan Banner, the Williamson Daily News, the Coal Valley News, and The Pineville Independent Herald.