The Record: A History of North Jersey's Leading Daily Newspaper
The Record, also known as The North Jersey Record, stands as one of the most influential news sources in New Jersey. Serving the densely populated counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic, it maintains the second-largest circulation of any daily newspaper in the state, trailing only The Star-Ledger. From its humble beginnings as a local sheet to its current status as a regional powerhouse, the publication has mirrored the growth and evolution of North Jersey itself.
Today, the newspaper is owned by the USA Today Co. (Gannett Company) and operates out of its headquarters in Woodland Park, New Jersey. It is recognized not only for its regional reporting but for capturing some of the most poignant moments in American history.
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Key Facts
- Founded: June 5, 1895, by Evan G. Runner.
- Current Owner: USA Today Co. (Gannett Company).
- Headquarters: Woodland Park, New Jersey.
- Circulation: 14,196 (as of 2024).
- Coverage Area: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Passaic counties.
- Notable Achievement: Owner of the iconic "Raising the Flag at Ground Zero" photograph.
The Evolution of Ownership and Growth
Founding and the Borg Era
The publication began as The Evening Record on June 5, 1895. After several changes in investment, the company was purchased in 1920 by a group of eight investors, including Matt C. Ely and John Borg. By 1930, John Borg, a former Wall Street financier, became the sole owner. The Borg family would maintain control of the newspaper for over eight decades, steering it through the mid-20th century's rapid suburban expansion.
Regional Expansion and Diversification
Under the leadership of Donald Borg (who took over in 1949), the paper shifted its focus from local to regional coverage between 1952 and 1963. In 1960, the name was simplified to The Record. The organization expanded its reach by opening a Trenton bureau and venturing into other media, including the acquisition of Gateway Communications, a four-station television company, in 1971.
The 1970s and 80s saw further growth with the acquisition of the Freehold News Transcript and the establishment of a Washington, DC bureau. By 1983, the paper boasted a daily circulation of over 149,000, catering to an "upscale" readership.
Modern Transition and Gannett Acquisition
In 2001, the company reorganized as the North Jersey Media Group. A significant operational shift occurred in 2011 when headquarters moved to Woodland Park to integrate with its sister paper, the Herald News. In July 2016, the Borg family sold their media assets to the Gannett Company. Today, while The Record and the Herald News maintain different mastheads, their operations are largely integrated.
Editorial Style and Journalistic Impact
The Record is noted for a layout that often resembles a magazine. Rather than focusing exclusively on breaking news on the front page, it frequently features "The Patch," a section dedicated to thematic topics or deep-dive investigative reports.
The paper's commitment to investigative journalism was highlighted in 1996 when it won the Gerald Loeb Award for the series "Formula for Disaster: The Lodi Explosion." This reporting was instrumental in the creation of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board.
The Iconic "Raising the Flag at Ground Zero"
One of the most enduring images of the September 11 attacks was captured by The Record's photographer, Thomas E. Franklin. The photograph, titled Raising the Flag at Ground Zero, depicts three firefighters raising the American flag over the rubble of the World Trade Center. The Record retains the rights to this image but licenses it for non-commercial, dignified use in exchange for donations to September 11 causes.
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Publication Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Broadsheet |
| Language | American English |
| Website | northjersey.com |
| Daily Price | $1 (Weekdays), $2 (Sundays/Thanksgiving) |
| Executive Editor | Daniel Sforza (as of 2018) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns The Record?
The Record is owned by the USA Today Co. (Gannett Company), which purchased the assets from the Borg family in July 2016.
What is the relationship between The Record and the Herald News?
Both are owned by Gannett and operate out of the same headquarters in Woodland Park. While they have different mastheads, their operations are integrated, with the Herald News serving as a Passaic County edition of The Record.
Where is The Record based?
The newspaper is currently headquartered at 1 Garret Mountain Plaza, Woodland Park, New Jersey.
What is the significance of the "Raising the Flag at Ground Zero" photo?
Taken by photographer Thomas E. Franklin, it became an iconic symbol of resilience following the 9/11 attacks. The Record licenses the photo for non-commercial use to support September 11 charities.
How has the paper's name changed over time?
It was founded as The Evening Record, later became The Evening Record and Bergen County Herald, then The Bergen Evening Record, and finally simplified to The Record in 1960.