News-Gazette: A History of Journalism in Champaign-Urbana
The News-Gazette stands as a cornerstone of local reporting in the Champaign-Urbana area of Illinois. Its evolution from a small union paper to a dominant regional media entity reflects the broader shifts in the American newspaper industry, moving from fierce local competition to the challenges of the digital age.
The Foundations of the Publication
The roots of the News-Gazette date back to 1852 with the founding of the Urbana Union. As the community grew, the publication transitioned, moving to Champaign and rebranding as the Champaign Daily News by the turn of the 20th century.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1919 when David W. Stevick, the owner and publisher of the Daily News, acquired the Champaign Daily Gazette. Stevick merged the two publications to create the current News-Gazette. The paper remained a family-run operation for decades; following David's death in 1935, ownership passed to his widow, Helen M. Stevick, and later to their daughter, Marajen Stevick Chinigo, who led the paper until 2002.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Market Dominance and Operational Shifts
For years, the News-Gazette faced stiff competition from the Champaign–Urbana Courier. However, in 1979, the Courier ceased publication, leaving the News-Gazette as the sole daily newspaper in Champaign for the first time.
The publication was also notable for its printing schedule. Until June 2009, the News-Gazette was one of the few remaining afternoon papers—publications printed and delivered in the latter half of the day. While a morning edition for Champaign and Urbana was introduced in the late 1990s, declining print advertising revenue eventually forced a total transition to morning-only publication on June 1, 2009.
Diversification into Broadcasting
Beyond the printed page, the organization expanded into radio. Since 1937, the paper has been co-owned with WDWS, the oldest commercial radio station in the region. This media portfolio grew with the addition of an FM sister station in 1949 (now WHMS) and the May 2010 purchase of WUIL, which is now known as WKIO.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Modern Challenges and Ownership Changes
The 21st century brought significant structural changes. On April 11, 2017, the News-Gazette announced it would phase out local printing and packaging operations. These services were outsourced to the Journal Star in Peoria, Illinois, resulting in the loss of approximately 35 full- and part-time positions.
Financial pressures culminated on August 30, 2019, when News-Gazette Media filed for bankruptcy. The company's assets were subsequently purchased by the Community Media Group, Inc., a firm owning various community newspapers nationwide. The sale was finalized on November 10, 2019, leading to the discontinuation of the Monday print edition and a move to a smaller office building in Champaign in April 2020.
Key Facts
- Founded: Traces origins to the Urbana Union (1852).
- Merger: Formed in 1919 via the merger of the Champaign Daily News and the Champaign Daily Gazette.
- Market Status: Became the only daily newspaper in Champaign in 1979.
- Format Change: Switched from afternoon to morning-only publication on June 1, 2009.
- Radio Assets: Co-owns WDWS, WHMS, and WKIO.
- Current Owner: Community Media Group, Inc. (acquired November 2019).
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1852 | Urbana Union founded |
| 1919 | Merger of Daily News and Daily Gazette |
| 1937 | Co-ownership of WDWS radio begins |
| 1979 | Champaign–Urbana Courier ceases publication |
| 2009 | Transition to morning-only publication |
| 2017 | Local printing operations phased out |
| 2019 | Bankruptcy and acquisition by Community Media Group |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the News-Gazette stop being an afternoon paper?
The News-Gazette officially switched to morning-only publication on June 1, 2009, due to a decrease in print advertising revenue.
Who currently owns the News-Gazette?
The publication is owned by Community Media Group, Inc., which finalized the purchase of the company's assets on November 10, 2019.
What radio stations are associated with the News-Gazette?
The organization is co-owned with WDWS, WHMS, and WKIO.
Why did the paper stop printing locally in 2017?
The News-Gazette phased out local printing and packaging to move those operations to the Journal Star in Peoria, Illinois, a move that eliminated about 35 positions.
How did the News-Gazette come into existence?
It was formed in 1919 when David W. Stevick, owner of the Champaign Daily News, purchased and merged it with the Champaign Daily Gazette.