The Denver Post: A History of Sensationalism, Survival, and Struggle
From its origins as a political tool in the late 19th century to its current status as a focal point of debates over corporate media ownership, The Denver Post has mirrored the volatile growth of Colorado itself. The publication has evolved through eras of flamboyant "circus journalism," periods of strict editorial integrity, and modern struggles against the financial strategies of hedge fund ownership.
The 19th Century: Political Roots and Sensationalism
The paper began in August 1892 as The Evening Post, founded with $50,000 by supporters of Grover Cleveland. Its primary purpose was to promote Democratic political ideals and prevent party defection in Colorado. However, the paper's early years were fraught with instability. Cleveland's opposition to the government purchase of silver—Colorado's most vital product—made him unpopular locally. When silver prices crashed in 1893, the resulting depression forced the paper to suspend publication in August of that year.
After a brief resurrection in 1894 by a new group of owners, the paper was purchased on October 28, 1895, for $12,500 by Harry Heye Tammen, a former bartender and curio shop owner, and Frederick Gilmer Bonfils, a real estate and lottery operator. Despite their lack of journalistic experience, Tammen and Bonfils were masters of promotion. They introduced a style of sensationalism—often called "flamboyant circus journalism"—that captivated the public. This approach drove circulation to levels that surpassed the city's other three daily papers combined. On November 3, 1895, the publication was renamed the Denver Evening Post.
The 20th Century: Professionalization and Ownership Shifts
By January 1, 1901, the paper simplified its name to The Denver Post. Over the following decades, it attracted notable writers, including Gene Fowler, Frances Belford Wayne, and the "sob sister" Polly Pry. Even the famed writer Damon Runyon spent a brief tenure at the Post between 1905 and 1906 before moving to New York.
Following the deaths of Tammen (1924) and Bonfils (1933), ownership passed to Bonfils' daughters, Helen Bonfils and May Bonfils Stanton. A pivotal shift in the paper's culture occurred in 1946 when Palmer Hoyt was hired as editor and publisher. Hoyt moved the paper toward fair and accurate reporting, separating news from opinion by creating The Open Forum, an editorial page that remains a staple of the publication today.
Financial Turmoil and the DCPA
The 1960s brought a period of instability starting with a takeover attempt by Samuel I. Newhouse. To maintain local ownership, Helen Bonfils enlisted lawyer Donald Seawell. The ensuing 13-year legal battle drained the paper's finances. After Helen Bonfils died in 1972, Seawell became president and chairman. During this time, the Frederick G. and Helen G. Bonfils foundations—funded largely by Post stock dividends—financed the establishment of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).
By 1980, the paper was losing money, and critics suggested Seawell was too focused on the DCPA. This led to the sale of the Post to the Los Angeles-based Times Mirror Company for $95 million. While Times Mirror introduced morning delivery and improved circulation, the paper's performance remained insufficient, leading to its sale to Dean Singleton and MediaNews Group in 1987.
The 21st Century: Consolidation and Digital Evolution
In January 2001, MediaNews and E.W. Scripps (parent of the Rocky Mountain News) entered into a Joint Operating Agreement (JOA). This created the Denver Newspaper Agency, which merged business operations while keeping newsrooms separate. The two rivals published separate morning editions—the Post as a broadsheet and the News as a tabloid—and shared weekend duties. This arrangement lasted until February 27, 2009, when the Rocky Mountain News ceased publication.
The digital era brought both innovation and instability. In 2013, the Post launched The Cannabist, an online brand covering cannabis issues just before legalization in Colorado. The site became highly popular, surpassing the industry veteran High Times in September 2016. However, these successes were offset by declining advertising revenue, leading to multiple rounds of staff reductions and buyouts between 2006 and 2016.
Management by Digital First Media and Alden Global Capital
In 2011, John Paton became CEO of MediaNews Group, and the Post entered an agreement with Digital First Media for business strategy and management. By 2017, the paper moved its headquarters to its printing plant in Adams County, Colorado.
The most contentious era began under the ownership of the hedge fund Alden Global Capital. Since 2010, the fund has been accused of "strip-mining" the paper through relentless cost-cutting. By April 2018, the newsroom staff had been reduced from over 250 journalists (pre-2010) to approximately 70. This drastic reduction prompted a public revolt from the Post's own editorial board, who labeled the owners "vulture capitalists" and argued that the cuts hampered the paper's ability to cover the growing Denver region.
This conflict, including the resignation of editor Greg Moore (2002–2016), was documented in the 2020 film News Matters, which followed journalists' attempts to save the historic publication.
Key Facts
- Founded: August 1892 as The Evening Post.
- Key Early Figures: Harry Heye Tammen and Frederick Gilmer Bonfils introduced sensationalist "circus journalism."
- Editorial Shift: Palmer Hoyt introduced The Open Forum in 1946 to separate news from opinion.
- Major Sale: Sold to Times Mirror Company in 1980 for $95 million.
- JOA: Shared business operations with Rocky Mountain News from 2001 to 2009.
- Modern Ownership: Managed by Digital First Media under Alden Global Capital.
| Era/Owner | Key Characteristic | Major Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Tammen & Bonfils | Sensationalism | Massive circulation growth |
| Palmer Hoyt (Editor) | Professionalism | Creation of The Open Forum |
| Donald Seawell | Local Ownership Struggle | Funding for the DCPA |
| Times Mirror / MediaNews | Corporate Transition | Morning publication launch |
| Alden Global Capital | Cost-Cutting | Significant newsroom staff reductions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the paper originally founded?
It was founded in 1892 by supporters of Grover Cleveland to promote Democratic political ideals and prevent Colorado Democrats from leaving the party.
What is "circus journalism"?
This refers to the flamboyant, sensationalist style of reporting introduced by Tammen and Bonfils to attract a wider audience and increase circulation.
What was the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA)?
The JOA was a business partnership between The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News from 2001 to 2009 that combined their business operations while maintaining separate editorial newsrooms.
What is The Cannabist?
Launched in 2013, The Cannabist is an online media brand created by The Denver Post to cover cannabis-related issues in Colorado and beyond.
Why has Alden Global Capital been criticized?
The hedge fund is criticized for implementing aggressive cost-cutting measures and laying off a significant portion of the newsroom staff despite the paper's reported profitability.