The London Free Press: A History of Journalism in Ontario
For over 170 years, The London Free Press has served as a cornerstone of news and information in Southern Ontario. From its humble beginnings as a weekly publication to its evolution into a modern daily, the newspaper's journey reflects the broader shifts in the Canadian media landscape, including the transition from family-owned enterprises to corporate conglomerates.
The Early Years and the Blackburn Era
The publication first entered the scene as the Canadian Free Press, founded by William Sutherland. It began printing as a weekly newspaper on January 2, 1849. The trajectory of the paper changed significantly in 1852 when Josiah Blackburn and Stephen Blackburn purchased the publication for $500. Under Josiah's leadership, the paper was renamed The London Free Press and Daily Western Advertiser.
By 1855, Blackburn transitioned the publication from a weekly to a daily format, cementing its role as a primary news source for the region. For decades, the paper faced stiff competition, most notably from the London Advertiser, a daily evening newspaper, between 1863 and 1936.
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Diversification into Broadcasting
The Blackburn family did not limit their influence to print. They expanded into electronic media, establishing a suite of broadcasting services in London: CFPL (radio) in 1933, CFPL-FM in 1948, and CFPL-TV in 1953. While the newspaper remained a family asset for years, these broadcast stations eventually moved to other owners; the radio stations are now held by Corus Entertainment, and the television station is owned by Bell Media as a CTV 2 station.
Corporate Transitions and Ownership Changes
The era of family ownership came to an end following the sudden death of publisher Martha Blackburn in the summer of 1992, who passed away from a heart attack after water skiing on Lake Huron. This event paved the way for the sale of the newspaper in 1997 to Sun Media Corporation. Under the leadership of London-born publisher John Paton, the paper expanded its reach by introducing a Sunday edition. Shortly after the acquisition, Sun Media was acquired by Quebecor Inc.
The ownership shifted once more in 2015 when Sun Media was acquired by Postmedia, one of Canada's largest newspaper chains.
The Evolution of Printing and Production
For much of its history, The London Free Press maintained its own local printing facilities. However, the mid-2000s brought significant instability to local production. In August 2005, Quebecor announced plans to move printing to a facility north of Toronto starting in 2007, a move that threatened 180 local jobs. Although this move was temporarily suspended in September 2007 to allow the staff to present a business case for retention, the shift toward outsourcing was inevitable.
The London press was a vital hub for the region, printing not only the Free Press but several other Sun Media titles, including the Chatham Daily News, Sarnia Observer, Simcoe Reformer, St. Thomas Times-Journal, Stratford Beacon Herald, Woodstock Sentinel-Review, and the Londoner.
The local printing era officially ended on May 31, 2016, when Sun Media announced that printing would be outsourced to the Metroland Media Group facility in Hamilton. Consequently, the London printing facility was shut down and demolished.
Key Facts
- Founded: January 2, 1849, as the Canadian Free Press.
- Original Purchase Price: $500 in 1852 by Josiah and Stephen Blackburn.
- Format Evolution: Transitioned from weekly to daily in 1855.
- Broadcasting Legacy: The Blackburns founded CFPL (1933), CFPL-FM (1948), and CFPL-TV (1953).
- Ownership Sequence: Blackburn Family → Sun Media (1997) → Quebecor Inc. → Postmedia (2015).
- Printing Shift: Local printing ceased in 2016, moving to Metroland Media Group in Hamilton.
| Period/Year | Owner/Entity | Printing Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1849 – 1997 | Blackburn Family | Local (London, ON) |
| 1997 – 2015 | Sun Media / Quebecor | Local (until 2016) |
| 2015 – Present | Postmedia | Outsourced (Hamilton, ON) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the original newspaper?
The newspaper was founded by William Sutherland as the Canadian Free Press, beginning publication on January 2, 1849.
When did the paper become a daily publication?
The publication was turned into a daily newspaper in 1855 by Josiah Blackburn.
What other media outlets did the Blackburn family establish?
The Blackburn family established CFPL radio in 1933, CFPL-FM in 1948, and CFPL-TV in 1953.
Why was the local printing facility in London closed?
The facility was closed after Sun Media decided to outsource printing to the Metroland Media Group's facility in Hamilton on May 31, 2016.
Which other newspapers were printed at the London facility?
The facility printed several regional papers, including the Chatham Daily News, Sarnia Observer, Simcoe Reformer, St. Thomas Times-Journal, Stratford Beacon Herald, Woodstock Sentinel-Review, and the Londoner.