The Spokesman-Review: A History of Spokane's Leading Newspaper
For over a century, The Spokesman-Review has served as a primary source of news and information for the Inland Northwest. From its origins as a merger of local publications to its current transition toward nonprofit ownership, the paper has played a pivotal role in shaping the public discourse of Spokane, Washington, and northern Idaho.
Origins and Early Growth
The publication was established in 1893 through the merger of the Spokane Falls Review (founded in 1883) and the Spokesman (founded in 1890). It first appeared under its current name on June 29, 1894. The Spokane Falls Review began as a joint venture involving local businessman A.M. Cannon, along with Henry Pittock and Harvey W. Scott of The Oregonian.
Over time, the paper expanded its reach by absorbing its sister publication, the afternoon Spokane Daily Chronicle. The two entities began integrating their operations in the early 1980s, combining sports departments in 1981 and news staffs in 1983. The Chronicle eventually ceased publication on July 31, 1992.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Cowles Era and Political Influence
W.H. Cowles became the owner of both the Review and the Chronicle in 1897. Under his leadership, the publications served different roles: the Chronicle remained independent, while The Spokesman-Review supported Republican Party causes. The paper gained popularity by advocating for improved park systems, lower freight rates for the Northwest, and opposing liquor, gambling, and prostitution.
However, the paper's political stances occasionally sparked national controversy. Its opposition to the New Deal, the Fair Deal, and the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam led President Harry Truman to label it one of the "two worst" newspapers in the United States during a 1948 visit, alongside the Chicago Tribune.
Following the death of W.H. Cowles in 1946, his son, William H. Cowles Jr., took over as publisher, granting managing editor James Bracken increased editorial and news control.
Editorial Evolution and Controversies
In more recent decades, The Spokesman-Review has been described as moderate-to-liberal, particularly regarding its stance against regional hate groups. This position led to a violent incident in 1997, when three extreme-right militants were convicted of bombing the paper's Spokane Valley office and an abortion clinic.
As one of the few remaining family-owned newspapers in the U.S., the paper is owned by the Cowles Company, which also operates KHQ-TV. This concentration of media ownership has drawn criticism from local activists. One notable controversy involved the "River Park Square Parking Garage" issue (1997–2004), where critics alleged the Cowles family profited up to $20 million from a public-private partnership. An independent review by the Washington News Council later found the paper at fault for news bias in its coverage of the project.
The paper also faced scrutiny in 2004 for a sting operation targeting Spokane Mayor James E. West. While the FBI later cleared West of criminal charges, the controversy contributed to his loss in a 2005 recall vote.
Circulation and Modern Transitions
The newspaper previously maintained three distinct editions: Metro, Spokane Valley, and Idaho. Following a significant newsroom downsizing in November 2007, it transitioned to a single zoned edition featuring localized "Voices" sections for North Spokane, South Spokane, and the Valley.
While the industry has faced general declines, the paper has seen periods of volatility. In 2010, Sunday circulation was reported at 95,939. Later, under editor Rob Curley (hired in 2016), circulation reportedly grew from 68,000 to 82,000 within a single year. However, the paper ceased printing its Saturday edition in April 2020.
A major shift in ownership is currently underway. In 2025, the Cowles family announced the donation of The Spokesman-Review to the Comma Community Journalism Laboratory, a nonprofit organization. Additionally, following the closure of its in-house printer, Northwest Offset Printing, the paper announced that the Hagadone Media Group of Coeur d’Alene would handle its printing.
Key Facts
- Founded: First published as The Spokesman-Review on June 29, 1894.
- Ownership: Long-term family ownership by the Cowles Company; transitioning to the nonprofit Comma Community Journalism Laboratory in 2025.
- Market Position: Third-largest newspaper in Washington state (as of 2010).
- Printing: Now printed by Hagadone Media Group following the closure of Northwest Offset Printing.
- Historical Conflict: Once labeled one of the "two worst" papers in the U.S. by President Harry Truman in 1948.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Predecessor Papers | Spokane Falls Review (1883) and The Spokesman (1890) |
| Merged Sister Paper | Spokane Daily Chronicle (Final edition July 31, 1992) |
| Key Owners/Publishers | W.H. Cowles, William H. Cowles Jr. |
| Affiliated Media | KHQ-TV / The KHQ Television Group |
| Current Status | Transitioning to nonprofit ownership (2025) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How was The Spokesman-Review formed?
It was created in 1893 through the merger of the Spokane Falls Review and The Spokesman, officially publishing under its current name on June 29, 1894.
Who currently owns the newspaper?
The paper has been owned by the Cowles Company, but the family announced in 2025 that it will be donated to the nonprofit Comma Community Journalism Laboratory.
Why did President Harry Truman criticize the paper?
President Truman called it one of the "two worst" newspapers in the nation in 1948 due to its opposition to the New Deal and the Fair Deal.
What happened to the Spokane Daily Chronicle?
The Chronicle was a sister publication that merged its sports and news departments with The Spokesman-Review in the early 1980s before printing its final edition on July 31, 1992.
Who handles the printing of the newspaper now?
After the closure of Northwest Offset Printing, the Hagadone Media Group of Coeur d’Alene announced it would take over the printing operations.