The Monitor: A History of Journalism in the Rio Grande Valley
The Monitor has long served as a vital source of information for its community, evolving through various ownership changes and strategic mergers to adapt to the modern media landscape. From its roots under Freedom Communications to its current integration into a larger regional digital network, the publication has maintained a commitment to professional journalism.
Ownership and Evolution
For many years, the publication was owned by Freedom Communications. This changed in 2012 when Freedom's Texas-based papers were acquired by AIM Media Texas. Under this new ownership, the publication began aligning more closely with other regional news outlets.
A significant shift occurred in 2021 when The Monitor merged its online presence with the Valley Morning Star and The Brownsville Herald. This consolidation resulted in the creation of MyRGV, a unified digital platform designed to streamline news delivery across the Rio Grande Valley.
Sister Publications and Regional Synergy
The Monitor previously operated a Spanish-language sister paper, La Frontera, which ceased operations in 2009. Despite the closure of the Spanish-language edition, the publication continues to share content with the Valley Morning Star and The Brownsville Herald, both of which are also owned by AIM Media Texas.
Leadership and Professional Excellence
The quality of the publication's journalism has been shaped by leaders with experience at prestigious, award-winning outlets. Former publisher M. Olaf Frandsen and former editor-in-chief Steve Fagan both bring backgrounds from Pulitzer Prize-winning newspapers.
Notably, Frandsen served as the editor-in-chief of the Odessa American in 1988, the year the paper earned a Pulitzer Prize for spot news photography. Frandsen has since transitioned to become the editor and publisher of the Salina, KS, Journal, a member of Harris Enterprises Inc.
Special Projects and Climate Reporting
Beyond daily news, The Monitor has engaged in high-impact collaborative journalism. In 2017, the publication partnered with Quartz to produce a detailed report on the effects of climate change in McAllen and Reynosa. This initiative was made possible through a grant provided by The Center for Cooperative Media.
Key Facts
- Current Parent Company: AIM Media Texas.
- Digital Merger: Combined with Valley Morning Star and The Brownsville Herald in 2021 to form MyRGV.
- Former Owner: Freedom Communications (until 2012).
- Defunct Sister Paper: La Frontera (closed 2009).
- Notable Collaboration: Partnered with Quartz in 2017 for climate change reporting.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Entity Involved |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Closure of Spanish-language sister paper | La Frontera |
| 2012 | Ownership transfer | AIM Media Texas |
| 2017 | Climate change reporting project | Quartz & The Center for Cooperative Media |
| 2021 | Online merger and rebranding | MyRGV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns The Monitor?
The Monitor is owned by AIM Media Texas, which acquired the paper from Freedom Communications in 2012.
What is MyRGV?
MyRGV is the digital entity formed in 2021 through the online merger of The Monitor, the Valley Morning Star, and The Brownsville Herald.
Did The Monitor have a Spanish-language edition?
Yes, it had a Spanish-language sister paper called La Frontera, but it shut down in 2009.
What was the purpose of the 2017 partnership with Quartz?
The partnership was designed to report on climate change issues specifically affecting McAllen and Reynosa, funded by The Center for Cooperative Media.
Which former leaders had Pulitzer-winning experience?
Former publisher M. Olaf Frandsen and former editor-in-chief Steve Fagan both worked at Pulitzer-winning newspapers; Frandsen specifically led the Odessa American during its 1988 Pulitzer win for spot news photography.