The Record: A History of North Jersey Journalism
From its humble beginnings as a local evening sheet to its evolution into a regional powerhouse, The Record has served as a primary source of news for North Jersey for over a century. Founded in the late 19th century, the publication has navigated shifts in ownership, technological advancements, and economic challenges while maintaining a commitment to high-quality reporting.
Founding and Early Years
The newspaper first entered the public sphere on June 5, 1895, under the name The Evening Record. Established by Evan G. Runner on Main Street in Hackensack, the venture initially relied on investors Frank Cook and George Alden. After a series of ownership changes, a group of eight investors acquired the company in 1920, at which point the publication was known as The Evening Record and Bergen County Herald.
By 1922, the name was simplified to The Bergen Evening Record. During this era, Matt C. Ely and John Borg—a Wall Street financier who transitioned into the news business—became the driving forces behind the paper. By 1930, Borg had acquired full interest in the company, setting the stage for a multi-generational family legacy.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Expansion and Regional Growth
The second generation of leadership began when John Borg's son, Donald, took over the role upon his father's retirement in 1949. This era marked a period of significant physical and strategic growth. In 1951, the paper moved to an expanded facility on River Street.
Between 1952 and 1963, the publication experienced a surge in popularity, with circulation doubling. The editorial focus shifted from purely local news to a regional scope, supporting the Metropolitan Regional Council (MRC). In 1960, the paper adopted the concise name The Record and expanded its reach beyond the county, including the establishment of a bureau in Trenton.
Diversification and Professional Accolades
The third generation, led by Donald's sons Malcolm and Gregory, saw the organization diversify its holdings. In 1964, the company acquired the Paterson Call, renaming it The Morning Call. Although the venture was a publishing success, it remained a financial failure and was sold in 1969.
The 1970s were a decade of prestige and expansion. In 1971, long-time editorialist William Caldwell earned a Pulitzer Prize. The company also expanded into broadcasting by purchasing Gateway Communications, a four-station entity, and acquired other newspapers including the Freehold News Transcript and publications from The Reporter Newspapers of Toms River. To manage these assets, the Toms River Publishing Company was created, and a news bureau was opened in Washington, DC.
By 1983, the paper boasted a daily circulation exceeding 149,000, catering to an "upscale" readership. In 1982, the company reorganized under a parent entity called Macromedia, Inc., splitting operations between the Bergen Record Corporation (print) and Gateway Communications Incorporated (broadcast).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Modern Era and Corporate Transition
The late 20th century brought both operational shifts and critical acclaim. On September 12, 1988, the paper transitioned from afternoon to early morning delivery. This change, combined with centralized distribution, significantly altered the workforce, reducing the reliance on traditional paperboys.
Despite a period of financial hardship during the 1989 recession—caused by heavy debt from building a new plant—the company returned to prosperity by 1993. In 1996, the paper received the Gerald Loeb Award for its investigative series "Formula for Disaster: The Lodi Explosion." This reporting was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
In 2001, the corporate structure was flattened and renamed the North Jersey Media Group. By 2011, headquarters moved to Woodland Park to join the Herald News. In 2016, the Borg family sold the company to Gannett. Today, The Record and Herald News operate as integrated entities, differing primarily by their mastheads.
Key Facts
- Founded: June 5, 1895, by Evan G. Runner.
- Major Awards: Pulitzer Prize (1971) and Gerald Loeb Award (1996).
- Ownership: Managed by the Borg family for decades before being acquired by Gannett in 2016.
- Circulation: Exceeded 149,000 daily readers by 1983.
- Corporate Evolution: Transitioned from Bergen Evening Record Corporation to Macromedia, Inc., and finally to North Jersey Media Group.
| Period | Publication Name | Key Leadership/Owner |
|---|---|---|
| 1895 | The Evening Record | Evan G. Runner |
| 1920 | The Evening Record and Bergen County Herald | Group of eight investors |
| 1922 | The Bergen Evening Record | Matt C. Ely & John Borg |
| 1960 | The Record | Donald Borg |
| 2016-Present | The Record / Herald News | Gannett |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Record?
The newspaper was founded by Evan G. Runner on June 5, 1895, originally as The Evening Record.
What major award did the paper win for its reporting on the Lodi Explosion?
The paper won the Gerald Loeb Award in 1996 for the series "Formula for Disaster: The Lodi Explosion," which helped lead to the creation of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
When did the paper switch from afternoon to morning delivery?
The transition to early morning publication and delivery occurred on September 12, 1988.
Who currently owns The Record?
The company was purchased by Gannett from the Borg family in 2016.
What is the relationship between The Record and the Herald News?
The Herald News is published as a Passaic County edition of The Record. After integrating operations and moving to shared headquarters in Woodland Park, the two papers now differ primarily by their mastheads.