The Norwalk Hour: A History of Local Journalism
For over a century, The Norwalk Hour has served as a vital source of information for its community, documenting the evolution of local business, sports, entertainment, and civic life. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to its current role within a larger media conglomerate, the publication has navigated the shifting tides of the newspaper industry.
The Evolution of a Local Publication
Founded in 1871, the newspaper underwent several identity shifts as it grew. Between 1895 and the early 1900s, it operated under the title The Evening Hour before being renamed The Norwalk Hour. By the period following 1971, the publication simplified its branding further, becoming known simply as The Hour.
Operational changes mirrored the changing habits of its readership. In 2000, the newspaper transitioned its delivery schedule from the afternoon to the morning to better serve its audience.
Market Rivalries and Competition
The early 2000s marked a period of intense competition between The Hour and its larger competitor, The Advocate. This rivalry reached a peak on May 15, 2003, when the Stamford-based Advocate launched a specialized Norwalk edition. This new edition featured expanded local coverage and a price point that significantly undercut The Hour, leading to a public exchange of editorial barbs between the two publications.
Acquisition and Modern Era
The landscape of Norwalk media changed significantly in 2016. Hearst, which had already taken control of The Advocate in 2008, announced the acquisition of The Hour in April of that year. The deal, involving an undisclosed purchase price, saw the paper move from the ownership of the Nellie M. Thomas Trust (owner of the Hour Publishing Co.) to Hearst.
At the time of the acquisition, the paper's print circulation was reported to be approximately 12,000 daily copies. On June 25, 2017, the publication was reflagged as The Norwalk Hour and relocated its offices to 301 Merritt 7 in Norwalk, joining the offices of Hearst Connecticut Media.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1871
- Former Names: The Evening Hour (1895–early 1900s), The Hour (post-1971)
- Current Owner: Hearst
- Circulation: 16,070 (as of April 2003); approximately 12,000 daily (as of 2016)
- Current Location: 301 Merritt 7, Norwalk
| Year/Period | Event/Change |
|---|---|
| 1871 | Newspaper founded |
| 1895 - 1900s | Published as The Evening Hour |
| Post-1971 | Renamed The Hour |
| 2000 | Shifted to morning delivery |
| May 15, 2003 | The Advocate launches Norwalk edition |
| April 2016 | Acquired by Hearst from Nellie M. Thomas Trust |
| June 25, 2017 | Reflagged as The Norwalk Hour and relocated |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the newspaper founded?
The newspaper was founded in 1871.
What were the previous names of the publication?
The paper was known as The Evening Hour from 1895 into the 1900s, and later as The Hour after 1971, before returning to The Norwalk Hour in 2017.
Who owns The Norwalk Hour now?
The newspaper is owned by Hearst, which acquired it in April 2016 from the Nellie M. Thomas Trust.
Why did the paper change its delivery time in 2000?
In 2000, the publication shifted from afternoon to morning deliveries to adapt its distribution to reader needs.
What happened during the rivalry with The Advocate in 2003?
The Advocate launched a special Norwalk edition with increased local coverage and lower pricing, leading to a competitive conflict that included public editorial disputes.