The San Antonio Express-News: A Century of Journalism
Imagine stepping into a time machine and landing right at the heart of San Antonio’s history—where every page of the San Antonio Express-News tells a story. Founded in 1865, this daily newspaper has been more than just ink on paper; it’s been a living, breathing entity that mirrors the city’s growth and evolution.
Isn’t it fascinating how a weekly tabloid turned into a daily powerhouse? The journey of the San Antonio Express-News is like a rollercoaster ride through the annals of San Antonio’s past. From its humble beginnings as the San Antonio Express to becoming the dominant voice in the city, it’s been an epic tale of resilience and transformation.
The Early Days: A Weekly Tabloid
In 1865, the newspaper was first published under the name San Antonio Express. It started as a weekly tabloid-style publication, much like a snapshot in time. But soon, it grew into something more substantial—becoming a daily newspaper by December 1866 and expanding to a full-fledged newspaper by the early 1870s.
How did this little weekly grow into such an influential voice? Leadership changes marked its early days, but it eventually became a daily morning newspaper in 1878. This transformation was like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly—beautiful and transformative.
The Rise of Rivals
A new rival emerged in the form of the Evening Light, which was first published in January 1881. The competition between these two papers was fierce, much like a chess match where each move is crucial. By the turn of the 20th century, the Light grew in popularity, and it wasn’t long before it became part of the larger Express Publishing Company.
Can you imagine the excitement when the Light and Gazette merged to form the San Antonio Express-News? This merger was like a symphony where different instruments come together to create something beautiful. The paper’s circulation increased, reaching 25,000 copies daily under the leadership of Harrison L. Beach and Charles S. Diehl.
The Hearst Era: A New Chapter
In 1918, William Randolph Hearst bought the Light. The Hearst Corporation’s influence brought a new era to the newspaper, expanding its reach into radio and television in the 1950s-60s. By 1973, Rupert Murdoch acquired the Express and the News from Harte-Hanks, leading to their merger in 1984 to form the San Antonio Express-News.
How did this merger shape the newspaper’s future? Under News Corp., the Express-News adopted a mainstream format and expanded its services. The Hearst Corporation eventually acquired it, ensuring that the paper remained San Antonio’s leading voice in journalism.
The Modern Era: Adapting to Change
The planned move to another downtown property was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the Express-News relocated to the top two floors of the Light Building and adopted a hybrid model for its employees.
How does this relocation signify the newspaper’s adaptability in today’s digital age? Just like a tree that bends but doesn’t break, the San Antonio Express-News continues to evolve while maintaining its roots. Its online presence at Expressnews.com and MYSanAntonio.com ensures that it remains a vital part of the community’s daily life.
The San Antonio Express-News has been more than just a newspaper; it’s been a cornerstone of the city’s identity. From its early days as a weekly tabloid to becoming the dominant voice in the region, this paper has seen and shaped history. As we look towards the future, one thing is certain: the Express-News will continue to be an integral part of San Antonio’s story.
The San Antonio Express-News has been a beacon of information and community for over 150 years. Its journey is a testament to the power of journalism in shaping our world, one story at a time.
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This page is based on the article San Antonio Express-News published in Wikipedia (retrieved on February 17, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
