Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

The Baltimore Sun Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: The Baltimore Sun: History and Operations

Cheat Sheet:
The Baltimore Sun: History and Operations Study Guide

General Information and Identification

No questions available for this topic.

Founding and Early Development (1837-1910)

The Baltimore Sun was founded in the early 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun was established on May 17, 1837, predating the early 20th century.

Return to Game

H.L. Mencken was the initial leader of The Evening Sun when it was established in 1910.

Answer: True

Explanation: H.L. Mencken, a prominent figure in American letters, served as the initial leader and was instrumental in the establishment of The Evening Sun in 1910.

Return to Game

The Sun and The Evening Sun operated as a single publication from 1910 to 1995.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sun and The Evening Sun operated as distinct morning and afternoon newspapers with separate staff from 1910 until The Evening Sun ceased publication in 1995.

Return to Game

H.L. Mencken was instrumental in establishing The Evening Sun newspaper.

Answer: True

Explanation: H.L. Mencken played a pivotal role in the founding and shaping of The Evening Sun upon its establishment in 1910.

Return to Game

The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 did not affect The Sun's facilities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 destroyed the "Iron Building" that housed The Sun's operations, significantly impacting its facilities.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun was founded by the same individuals who established the Public Ledger in Philadelphia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The founders of The Baltimore Sun, Arunah Shepherdson Abell, William Moseley Swain, and Azariah H. Simmons, had previously founded the Public Ledger in Philadelphia.

Return to Game

The Evening Sun was established in 1910, the same year the Black and Garrett families gained controlling interest.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Evening Sun was indeed established in 1910, coinciding with the year the Black and Garrett families acquired controlling interest in the newspaper's parent company.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's operations were significantly impacted by the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 caused substantial damage, destroying the "Iron Building" that housed The Sun's operations and necessitating a relocation.

Return to Game

Who were the founders of The Baltimore Sun?

Answer: Arunah Shepherdson Abell, William Moseley Swain, and Azariah H. Simmons

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun was founded by Arunah Shepherdson Abell, William Moseley Swain, and Azariah H. Simmons in 1837.

Return to Game

Who was the initial leader of The Evening Sun when it was established in 1910?

Answer: H.L. Mencken

Explanation: H.L. Mencken served as the initial leader of The Evening Sun upon its establishment in 1910.

Return to Game

What was the historical relationship between The Sun and The Evening Sun?

Answer: They operated as distinct morning and afternoon newspapers with separate staff.

Explanation: From 1910 to 1995, The Sun and The Evening Sun functioned as separate morning and afternoon publications, each with its own staff.

Return to Game

What was the impact of the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 on The Sun's facilities?

Answer: It destroyed the "Iron Building" housing The Sun's operations.

Explanation: The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 resulted in the destruction of the "Iron Building," which was the operational center for The Sun at that time.

Return to Game

Ownership and Corporate Evolution (1910-Present)

As of January 2024, JTF Publications LLC, associated with David D. Smith and Armstrong Williams, is the most recent owner of The Baltimore Sun.

Answer: True

Explanation: The acquisition by JTF Publications LLC, involving David D. Smith and Armstrong Williams, was finalized in January 2024, marking the latest ownership change.

Return to Game

The Abell family maintained ownership of The Baltimore Sun for less than 50 years.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Abell family and their descendants owned The Baltimore Sun for 73 years, from its founding in 1837 until 1910.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun owned WMAR-TV from 1986 until its affiliation with ABC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun owned WMAR-TV from 1947 to 1986. It was affiliated with CBS initially, then NBC, and has been an ABC affiliate since 1995, after the Sun's ownership period.

Return to Game

Declining readership and advertising revenue due to the internet have not been major challenges for The Baltimore Sun in the 21st century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The internet's impact on readership and advertising revenue has been a significant challenge for The Baltimore Sun, alongside other legacy newspapers, in the 21st century.

Return to Game

The proposed sale of The Baltimore Sun to a nonprofit organization backed by Stewart W. Bainum Jr. in 2021 was successfully completed.

Answer: False

Explanation: The proposed sale to the Sunlight For All Institute, backed by Stewart W. Bainum Jr., ultimately did not proceed due to disagreements over operating agreements.

Return to Game

Readership of The Baltimore Sun reportedly increased significantly in the first year of Smith's acquisition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to an increase, reports suggest a decline in readership and unique website visitors during the first year of Smith's acquisition.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun ceased publication in 2021 due to financial difficulties.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun did not cease publication in 2021; rather, it underwent ownership changes during that period, including its sale from Tribune Publishing to Alden Global Capital.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's ownership history includes Tribune Publishing, Alden Global Capital, and JTF Publications LLC.

Answer: True

Explanation: These entities represent significant stages in The Baltimore Sun's recent ownership history, following the Abell family's long tenure.

Return to Game

As of January 2024, who owns The Baltimore Sun?

Answer: JTF Publications LLC

Explanation: JTF Publications LLC, associated with David D. Smith and Armstrong Williams, acquired The Baltimore Sun in January 2024.

Return to Game

For how many years did the Abell family and their descendants own The Baltimore Sun?

Answer: 73 years

Explanation: The Abell family and their descendants maintained ownership of The Baltimore Sun for a period of 73 years, from 1837 to 1910.

Return to Game

What television station did The Baltimore Sun own, and what was its initial affiliation?

Answer: WMAR-TV (channel 2), affiliated with CBS

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun owned WMAR-TV (channel 2), which was initially affiliated with CBS.

Return to Game

What major challenge has The Baltimore Sun faced in the 21st century, alongside declining revenue?

Answer: A shrinking newsroom staff

Explanation: In addition to declining revenue, The Baltimore Sun has contended with a shrinking newsroom staff in the 21st century.

Return to Game

Why did the proposed sale of The Baltimore Sun to the Sunlight For All Institute in 2021 ultimately fall apart?

Answer: Disagreements over operating agreements.

Explanation: The sale to the Sunlight For All Institute was terminated due to unresolved disagreements concerning the operating agreements.

Return to Game

What impact has the new ownership reportedly had on The Baltimore Sun's staff?

Answer: At least 20 journalists have left the company

Explanation: Reports suggest that at least 20 journalists have departed from The Baltimore Sun following the change in ownership.

Return to Game

Journalism, Content, and Public Perception

The motto of The Baltimore Sun, "Light for All," signifies its dedication to disseminating public information.

Answer: True

Explanation: The motto "Light for All" directly reflects the newspaper's commitment to providing information to the public.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun opened its first foreign bureau in Berlin in 1924.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun established its first foreign bureau in London in 1924, not Berlin.

Return to Game

At its peak, The Baltimore Sun operated fewer than five foreign bureaus.

Answer: False

Explanation: At its peak, The Baltimore Sun operated eight foreign bureaus, exceeding five.

Return to Game

The rivalry between The Baltimore Sun and The News American ended when The News American was sold to Tribune Publishing.

Answer: False

Explanation: The rivalry concluded when The News American ceased publication in 1986, not when it was sold to Tribune Publishing.

Return to Game

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, The Baltimore Sun expanded its foreign coverage significantly.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, The Baltimore Sun significantly reduced its foreign coverage due to cost-cutting measures.

Return to Game

In February 2022, The Baltimore Sun's editorial board apologized for the newspaper's historical racism.

Answer: True

Explanation: The editorial board issued a formal apology in February 2022 acknowledging the newspaper's history of racism.

Return to Game

Since David D. Smith's acquisition, The Baltimore Sun has reportedly become more liberal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reports indicate that The Baltimore Sun has adopted a more conservative editorial stance since David D. Smith's acquisition.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun Guild expressed satisfaction with the new ownership's journalistic standards.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun Guild raised significant concerns regarding the new ownership's adherence to journalistic standards and transparency.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun has won over 20 Pulitzer Prizes.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun has won a total of 16 Pulitzer Prizes, which is not over 20.

Return to Game

In 'The Wire' Season 5, The Baltimore Sun was depicted as a perfectly functioning institution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Season 5 of 'The Wire' portrayed The Baltimore Sun as an institution with significant dysfunction, including a storyline about fabricated reporting for a Pulitzer Prize.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun partnered with WJZ-TV, a Fox-affiliated station, in 2008.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun partnered with WJZ-TV, which is affiliated with CBS, not Fox, in 2008.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's 2022 apology for historical racism did not mention specific offenses like accepting classified ads for enslaved people.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2022 apology explicitly mentioned specific offenses, including the acceptance of classified advertisements for enslaved people and editorials supporting segregation.

Return to Game

In 'The Wire,' the Pulitzer Prize storyline involving Scott Templeton concluded with his career being ethically compromised.

Answer: False

Explanation: The storyline in 'The Wire' concerning Scott Templeton and the Pulitzer Prize did not explicitly depict the ethical compromise of his career; rather, it focused on the award itself being granted under questionable circumstances.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun has republished content from WBFF-TV that the union deemed to meet high journalistic standards.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun Guild expressed concerns that republished content from WBFF-TV and other Sinclair outlets did not meet The Sun's established journalistic standards.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's motto, "Light for All," was adopted in the late 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The motto "Light for All" is associated with the newspaper's core mission and has been a long-standing identifier, not specifically adopted in the late 20th century.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun has won 16 Pulitzer Prizes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun has been recognized with a total of 16 Pulitzer Prizes throughout its history.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's editorial board apologized in 2022 for publishing editorials that supported racial segregation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 2022 apology specifically addressed historical instances where the newspaper published editorials supporting racial segregation.

Return to Game

What is the motto of The Baltimore Sun?

Answer: Light for All

Explanation: The official motto of The Baltimore Sun is "Light for All."

Return to Game

Which city was the location of The Baltimore Sun's first foreign bureau, opened in 1924?

Answer: London

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun established its inaugural foreign bureau in London in the year 1924.

Return to Game

How many foreign bureaus did The Baltimore Sun operate at its peak?

Answer: Eight

Explanation: At its zenith, The Baltimore Sun maintained operations in eight foreign bureaus.

Return to Game

What event marked the end of the 115-year rivalry between The Baltimore Sun and The News American?

Answer: The News American ceased publication.

Explanation: The protracted rivalry between The Baltimore Sun and The News American concluded with the cessation of publication by The News American.

Return to Game

Which of the following bureaus was among those closed by The Baltimore Sun in the 1990s and 2000s due to cost-cutting?

Answer: Tokyo

Explanation: The bureau in Tokyo was among those closed by The Baltimore Sun during the 1990s and 2000s as part of cost-reduction initiatives.

Return to Game

What specific historical offense did The Baltimore Sun's editorial board apologize for in 2022?

Answer: Accepting classified ads for enslaved people

Explanation: The 2022 apology specifically cited the newspaper's past acceptance of classified advertisements for the sale of enslaved people as a historical offense.

Return to Game

What has reportedly been the shift in The Baltimore Sun's content since David D. Smith's acquisition?

Answer: A more conservative editorial stance

Explanation: Reports indicate a shift towards a more conservative editorial stance in The Baltimore Sun's content following David D. Smith's acquisition.

Return to Game

What concerns did the Baltimore Sun Guild raise regarding republished articles and columns?

Answer: They did not meet The Sun's journalistic standards, particularly concerning immigrants and transgender people.

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun Guild voiced concerns that republished content failed to meet the newspaper's journalistic standards, especially regarding the portrayal of immigrants and transgender individuals.

Return to Game

How many Pulitzer Prizes has The Baltimore Sun won in total?

Answer: 16

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun has received a total of 16 Pulitzer Prizes throughout its history.

Return to Game

How was The Baltimore Sun depicted in Season 5 of the television series 'The Wire'?

Answer: As an institution with dysfunctional qualities but dedicated staff.

Explanation: In Season 5 of 'The Wire,' The Baltimore Sun was portrayed as an institution marked by dysfunction, yet populated by dedicated professionals.

Return to Game

What specific historical offenses did The Baltimore Sun's editorial board apologize for in 2022?

Answer: Promoting segregation and accepting ads for enslaved people.

Explanation: The 2022 apology specifically addressed the newspaper's historical promotion of racial segregation and its acceptance of advertisements for enslaved individuals.

Return to Game

Operations, Format, and Infrastructure

The Baltimore Sun is published in a tabloid format.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun is published in a broadsheet format, not a tabloid.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's headquarters are currently located in Port Covington.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun's headquarters are located at 200 St. Paul Place in Baltimore, Maryland, having returned downtown after a period at Port Covington.

Return to Game

In 2021, The Baltimore Sun reported a higher daily circulation than Sunday circulation.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2021, The Baltimore Sun reported a daily circulation of 43,000 and a Sunday circulation of 125,000, indicating higher Sunday circulation.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun eliminated its features desk in October 2024, ending dedicated coverage of the city's cultural life.

Answer: True

Explanation: The elimination of the features desk in October 2024 marked the cessation of dedicated coverage for the city's cultural life.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's printing facility at Port Covington was named 'Sun Park' and cost $180 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: The printing facility at Port Covington, known as 'Sun Park,' was indeed constructed at a cost of $180 million.

Return to Game

After closing the Sun Park facility, The Baltimore Sun moved its printing operations to Wilmington, Delaware.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the closure of the Sun Park facility, printing operations were relocated to a facility in Wilmington, Delaware.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's Washington D.C. bureau building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Answer: True

Explanation: The building housing The Baltimore Sun's Washington D.C. bureau, constructed in 1885, is indeed listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun's headquarters were located at 200 St. Paul Place before moving to Port Covington.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun's headquarters were located at Sun Park in Port Covington from 1988 to 2022, after which they returned to 200 St. Paul Place.

Return to Game

Which of the following formats best describes The Baltimore Sun?

Answer: Broadsheet

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun is published in a broadsheet format, characterized by its large page size.

Return to Game

Where is The Baltimore Sun's headquarters located?

Answer: 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, Maryland

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun's current headquarters are situated at 200 St. Paul Place in Baltimore, Maryland.

Return to Game

What were the reported circulation figures for The Baltimore Sun in 2021?

Answer: Daily: 43,000; Sunday: 125,000

Explanation: In 2021, The Baltimore Sun reported a daily circulation of 43,000 and a Sunday circulation of 125,000.

Return to Game

What change occurred in October 2024 regarding The Baltimore Sun's coverage of cultural life?

Answer: Dedicated coverage of cultural life was eliminated with the features desk.

Explanation: In October 2024, the elimination of the features desk resulted in the cessation of dedicated coverage for the city's cultural life.

Return to Game

Where was The Baltimore Sun's headquarters and printing facility located between 1988 and 2022?

Answer: Sun Park in Port Covington

Explanation: From 1988 to 2022, The Baltimore Sun's headquarters and printing operations were situated at "Sun Park" in Port Covington.

Return to Game

Key Figures and Historical Controversies

Trif Alatzas has served as the publisher of The Baltimore Sun since 2005.

Answer: False

Explanation: Trif Alatzas assumed the role of publisher in March 2016, not 2005.

Return to Game

David D. Smith suggested The Baltimore Sun could emulate the news philosophy of WBFF-TV.

Answer: True

Explanation: David D. Smith proposed that The Baltimore Sun could adopt the news philosophy exemplified by WBFF-TV, a station associated with Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Return to Game

Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. filed a First Amendment lawsuit against The Baltimore Sun.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun filed a First Amendment lawsuit against Governor Ehrlich's administration, not the other way around, concerning an executive order banning state employees from speaking to certain reporters.

Return to Game

Michael Olesker resigned from The Baltimore Sun due to accusations of plagiarism.

Answer: True

Explanation: Michael Olesker resigned in January 2006 following allegations of plagiarism in his published columns.

Return to Game

David D. Smith believed that focusing on community news and integrating technology could help grow The Baltimore Sun.

Answer: True

Explanation: David D. Smith articulated a strategy involving enhanced community news coverage and technological integration as means to foster growth for The Baltimore Sun.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun Guild accused David Smith of union-busting activities, including proposing clauses to terminate employees without just cause.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun Guild alleged that David Smith's management engaged in union-busting tactics, such as proposing clauses that would permit termination without just cause.

Return to Game

Armstrong Williams stated that the union had the sole authority to dictate language usage at The Baltimore Sun.

Answer: False

Explanation: Armstrong Williams stated that the union lacked the authority to dictate language usage, asserting managerial prerogatives.

Return to Game

The Baltimore Sun Guild supported the firing of reporter Maddi O'Neill.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun Guild characterized the firing of reporter Maddi O'Neill as 'cowardly' and emblematic of mismanagement, thus not supporting it.

Return to Game

Thomas Andrews Drake was accused of leaking classified information to a reporter for The Washington Post.

Answer: False

Explanation: Thomas Andrews Drake was accused of leaking classified information to a reporter for The Baltimore Sun, not The Washington Post.

Return to Game

Who currently serves as the publisher and editor of The Baltimore Sun?

Answer: Trif Alatzas

Explanation: Trif Alatzas holds the positions of publisher and editor of The Baltimore Sun.

Return to Game

What news philosophy did David D. Smith suggest The Baltimore Sun could emulate?

Answer: Sinclair's flagship station WBFF-TV's approach

Explanation: David D. Smith proposed that The Baltimore Sun could adopt the news philosophy demonstrated by WBFF-TV, a station within the Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Return to Game

What controversy involved Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and The Baltimore Sun?

Answer: The Governor banned state employees from speaking to specific Sun reporters due to alleged unfair coverage.

Explanation: Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. issued an executive order in 2004 prohibiting state employees from communicating with certain Baltimore Sun reporters, citing concerns over coverage.

Return to Game

What led to the resignation of Sun columnist Michael Olesker in January 2006?

Answer: Accusations of plagiarism.

Explanation: Michael Olesker resigned from his columnist position following allegations of plagiarism concerning his published works.

Return to Game

What did Armstrong Williams state regarding the union's concerns about editorial content?

Answer: He stated the union lacked the authority to dictate language usage.

Explanation: Armstrong Williams asserted that the union did not possess the authority to dictate language usage within the newspaper's editorial operations.

Return to Game

What was the Baltimore Sun Guild's reaction to the firing of reporter Maddi O'Neill?

Answer: They called the firing 'cowardly' and emblematic of mismanagement by the paper's new owners.

Explanation: The Baltimore Sun Guild condemned the firing of reporter Maddi O'Neill, describing it as 'cowardly' and indicative of mismanagement by the new ownership.

Return to Game