The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Chronicling America's Stories Since 1878: A Legacy in Print.
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Joseph Pulitzer's Platform
Guiding Principles
On April 10, 1907, Joseph Pulitzer articulated a profound statement of principles that would guide the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. This enduring platform emphasized the newspaper's commitment to progress, reform, and unwavering public service.
A Century of Journalism
Early Years and Foundation
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch was established on December 12, 1878, when Joseph Pulitzer purchased the bankrupt St. Louis Dispatch and merged it with the St. Louis Evening Post. Under Pulitzer's dynamic leadership and the editorial direction of John A. Cockerill, the paper quickly distinguished itself through its commitment to investigative reporting and public advocacy.
A notable early incident involved a fatal confrontation between Cockerill and Alonzo W. Slayback in 1882, highlighting the intense and often perilous environment of late 19th-century journalism.[6][7] The paper was also among the first to feature a color comics section, enhancing its appeal to a broad readership.
20th Century Milestones
Throughout the 20th century, the Post-Dispatch maintained a significant presence in national journalism. It operated one of the largest news bureaus in Washington D.C. among Midwestern newspapers.[8] The paper was a prominent critic of President Harry S. Truman and gained international recognition for publishing the secret protocols of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1946.[10]
The newspaper's editorial page was renowned for its influential columnists and political cartoons by Pulitzer Prize winners Daniel R. Fitzpatrick and Bill Mauldin. In 1959, it entered a joint operating agreement with the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, eventually becoming the sole daily newspaper in the region after the Globe-Democrat ceased publication in 1983.[12]
21st Century Evolution
The Post-Dispatch continued its legacy into the 21st century, marked by significant anniversaries and adaptations to the evolving media landscape. In 2005, Lee Enterprises acquired Pulitzer, Inc., including the Post-Dispatch, for $1.46 billion.[2]
The paper transitioned to a compact format in 2009 and has faced industry-wide challenges, including staff reductions and the outsourcing of printing operations. Despite these shifts, it has continued to be recognized for its journalistic achievements, including a Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography for its coverage of the Ferguson protests in 2015.[19]
Circulation Trends
Readership Figures
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has reported fluctuating circulation figures over the years, reflecting broader trends in the newspaper industry. As of recent filings:
- September 30, 2016: 98,104 daily, 157,543 on Sunday.[23]
- 2023 Data: 99,618 Daily, 109,407 Sunday.[2]
In 2017, the paper reported reaching over 792,600 readers weekly, with its website, stltoday.com, generating approximately 67 million page views monthly.[24]
The Iconic Weatherbird
A Daily Forecast Companion
Introduced on February 11, 1901, the "Weatherbird" is a distinctive front-page cartoon that accompanies the daily weather forecast. It holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously published cartoon in the United States.
Originally drawn by Harry B. Martin, the Weatherbird has been illustrated by a succession of artists, including Oscar Chopin, S. Carlisle Martin, Amadee Wohlschlaeger (who first rendered it in color), Albert Schweitzer, and Dan Martin. This enduring feature has become a beloved and recognizable element of the Post-Dispatch's identity.[25]
Notable Contributors
Journalists, Cartoonists, and Editors
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has been home to numerous influential figures in journalism and the arts. Their contributions have shaped the paper's voice and national reputation.