What is The Baltimore Sun?

The Baltimore Sun is the largest general-circulation daily newspaper based in the U.S. state of Maryland. It provides comprehensive coverage of local, regional, national, and international news. The newspaper's motto, "Light for All," reflects its commitment to informing the public.

When was The Baltimore Sun founded, and by whom?

The Baltimore Sun was founded on May 17, 1837, by Arunah Shepherdson Abell, William Moseley Swain, and Azariah H. Simmons. These founders had previously established the Public Ledger in Philadelphia the year before.

What was the previous publication of The Baltimore Sun's founders?

Before founding The Baltimore Sun, its founders, Arunah Shepherdson Abell, William Moseley Swain, and Azariah H. Simmons, had successfully started and published the Public Ledger in Philadelphia in 1836.

What is the motto of The Baltimore Sun?

The motto of The Baltimore Sun is "Light for All," signifying its aim to provide information and illumination to everyone.

What type and format of newspaper is The Baltimore Sun?

The Baltimore Sun is classified as a daily newspaper. It is published in a broadsheet format, which is a large-print newspaper format characterized by its generous page size.

Who are the current owners of The Baltimore Sun?

As of January 2024, The Baltimore Sun is owned by JTF Publications LLC, which is associated with David D. Smith and Armstrong Williams. Prior to this, it was owned by Tribune Publishing until May 2021, when it was acquired by Alden Global Capital.

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

Trif Alatzas currently serves as both the publisher and editor of The Baltimore Sun. He assumed the publisher role in March 2016.

Where is The Baltimore Sun headquartered?

The Baltimore Sun's headquarters are located at 200 St. Paul Place in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. This is a return to downtown Baltimore after previously being located in Port Covington.

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

In 2021, The Baltimore Sun reported a daily circulation of 43,000 and a Sunday circulation of 125,000. Circulation figures for newspapers have generally declined in the digital age.

What is the ISSN and OCLC number associated with The Baltimore Sun?

The Baltimore Sun has an ISSN of 1930-8965. Its OCLC number is 244481759.

What is the official website for The Baltimore Sun?

The official website for The Baltimore Sun is www.baltimoresun.com.

How long did the Abell family own The Baltimore Sun?

The Abell family and their descendants owned The Baltimore Sun until 1910, a period of 73 years. In 1910, local Black and Garrett families invested in the paper, gaining a controlling interest.

When was The Evening Sun established, and who was its initial leader?

The Evening Sun was established in 1910, the same year the Black and Garrett families gained controlling interest in the parent company. It was initially led by the notable reporter, editor, and columnist H.L. Mencken.

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

From 1947 to 1986, The Baltimore Sun owned WMAR-TV (channel 2), Maryland's first television station. It was initially affiliated with CBS, switched to NBC in 1981, and has been an ABC affiliate since 1995.

When did The Baltimore Sun begin establishing foreign bureaus, and where were its early locations?

The Baltimore Sun opened its first foreign bureau in London in 1924. Between 1955 and 1961, it expanded its international presence by adding bureaus in Bonn (West Germany), Berlin, Moscow, Rome, and New Delhi.

What was the extent of The Baltimore Sun's foreign coverage at its peak?

At its peak, The Baltimore Sun operated eight foreign bureaus. This extensive network led the newspaper to boast in a 1983 advertisement that "The Sun never sets on the world."

Which companies owned The Baltimore Sun after the Abell family's control ended?

After the Abell family's control ended in 1910, The Baltimore Sun was subsequently owned by the Times-Mirror Company (from 1986), then Tribune Publishing (from 2014), Alden Global Capital (from May 2021), and most recently, JTF Publications LLC (David D. Smith and Armstrong Williams) starting in January 2024.

What significant local newspaper rivalry ended with the folding of The News American?

The 115-year-old rivalry between The Baltimore Sun and The News American ended when the latter, a Hearst paper with roots dating back to 1773, folded in 1986, the same year The Sun was sold to the Times-Mirror Company.

How did The Baltimore Sun's foreign coverage change in the late 20th and early 21st centuries?

In the 1990s and 2000s, The Baltimore Sun significantly cut back its foreign coverage. Bureaus in Tokyo, Mexico City, and Berlin closed in 1995-1996, followed by Beijing and London in 2005, and finally Moscow, Jerusalem, and Johannesburg by 2008, due to cost-cutting measures by Tribune Co.

What major challenges has The Baltimore Sun faced in the 21st century?

In the 21st century, The Baltimore Sun, like many legacy newspapers, has contended with declining readership and advertising revenue due to competition from the internet. It also faced a shrinking newsroom staff and competition from free daily papers like The Baltimore Examiner.

What was the proposed sale of The Baltimore Sun to a nonprofit organization in 2021?

In February 2021, amid Tribune Publishing's planned merger with Alden Global Capital, an agreement was reached to sell The Baltimore Sun to the Sunlight For All Institute, a nonprofit backed by Stewart W. Bainum Jr. However, this deal ultimately fell apart due to disagreements over operating agreements.

What did The Baltimore Sun's editorial board apologize for in February 2022?

In February 2022, The Baltimore Sun's editorial board issued a lengthy apology for the newspaper's history of racism over its 185 years. This included specific offenses such as publishing classified ads for enslaved people and promoting editorials that supported racial segregation and the disenfranchisement of Black voters.

Who acquired The Baltimore Sun in January 2024, and who holds a stake in the new ownership?

David D. Smith, executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, acquired The Baltimore Sun in January 2024. Conservative commentator Armstrong Williams holds an undisclosed stake in the new ownership.

What changes did David D. Smith initially suggest for The Baltimore Sun?

David D. Smith suggested that The Baltimore Sun could emulate the news philosophy of Sinclair's flagship station, WBFF-TV, incorporating elements like non-scientific reader polls and aggressive coverage of local issues. He also indicated potential partnerships between the paper and Sinclair properties.

How has The Baltimore Sun's content reportedly shifted under David D. Smith's ownership?

Since David D. Smith's acquisition, The Baltimore Sun has reportedly become more conservative. It has increased coverage of the Baltimore mayor's administration and crime, and has republished content from WBFF-TV and conservative news wires like The Center Square, as well as columns by Smith's daughter.

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

According to reports, readership of The Baltimore Sun fell by nearly half in the first year of Smith's acquisition, with fewer unique visitors to its website. At least 20 journalists have left the company, citing concerns over coverage and seeking opportunities elsewhere, such as at The Baltimore Banner.

What concerns did the Baltimore Sun Guild raise regarding the paper's new ownership and content?

The Baltimore Sun Guild raised concerns about ethical breaches, lack of transparency regarding partnerships with Fox45 and other Sinclair newsrooms, and the use of language in republished articles and columns that did not meet The Sun's journalistic standards, particularly concerning immigrants and transgender people. They also protested the stalling of contract negotiations.

What happened to The Baltimore Sun's features desk in October 2024?

In October 2024, The Baltimore Sun eliminated its features desk, reassigning the three reporters who worked there to news departments. This marked the first time since at least 1888 that the paper lacked dedicated coverage of the city's cultural life.

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

From 1910 to 1995, The Baltimore Sun operated two distinct newspapers: The Sun (morning edition) and The Evening Sun (afternoon edition). Each maintained separate reporting and editorial staff, though The Evening Sun eventually ceased publication due to declining readership and market shifts.

What was the significance of H.L. Mencken's association with The Baltimore Sun?

H.L. Mencken, a prominent American writer, essayist, and critic, had a long and significant association with The Baltimore Sun, spanning over forty years. He was instrumental in establishing and shaping The Evening Sun newspaper.

How many Pulitzer Prizes has The Baltimore Sun won?

The Baltimore Sun has won a total of 16 Pulitzer Prizes throughout its history, recognizing its significant contributions to journalism.

What was the purpose of launching the free daily paper 'b'?

In 2008, the Baltimore Sun Media Group launched the free daily paper 'b' with the aim of targeting younger and more casual readers, specifically those aged 18 to 35. It featured a tabloid format with a focus on entertainment, news, and sports, utilizing creative design and humor.

When did 'b' cease publication?

The free daily paper 'b' ceased publication entirely in August 2015. This occurred more than a year after the Baltimore Sun Media Group acquired the alternative weekly City Paper.

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

The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 destroyed the "Iron Building" at the corner of Baltimore and South streets, which housed The Sun's operations at the time. The newspaper subsequently relocated its operations.

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

From 1988 to 2022, The Baltimore Sun's headquarters and printing facility were located at "Sun Park" in Port Covington. This facility was built at a cost of $180 million on 60 acres of land.

Where did The Baltimore Sun move its printing operations after closing the Sun Park facility?

After printing its last issue at the Sun Park facility on January 30, 2022, The Baltimore Sun moved its printing operations to a facility in Wilmington, Delaware. This move also involved layoffs.

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

In 2004, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. issued an executive order banning state executive branch employees from speaking to Sun columnist Michael Olesker and reporter David Nitkin, citing unfair coverage. This led The Sun to file a First Amendment lawsuit against the administration, which was ultimately dismissed on appeal.

What led to the resignation of Sun columnist Michael Olesker?

Michael Olesker resigned from The Baltimore Sun in January 2006 following accusations of plagiarism. Reports indicated that several of his columns contained sentences or paragraphs very similar to material previously published elsewhere, though some colleagues defended his actions as common newsroom practice.

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

In Season 5 of 'The Wire,' The Baltimore Sun was depicted as an institution with deeply dysfunctional qualities, yet staffed by dedicated individuals. The portrayal highlighted the business pressures of modern media, including layoffs and buyouts, and featured a storyline about a reporter falsifying stories in pursuit of a Pulitzer Prize.

What was the nature of The Baltimore Sun's news partnership with WJZ-TV?

In September 2008, The Baltimore Sun entered into a partnership with WJZ-TV, a CBS-owned station. This collaboration involved sharing content and story leads, with each entity promoting the other's work in their respective broadcasts and publications.

What is the significance of The Baltimore Sun's Washington D.C. bureau building?

The Baltimore Sun constructed a building for its Washington D.C. bureau in 1885 at 1317 F Street, NW. This building is notable for being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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

In its 2022 apology for historical racism, The Baltimore Sun's editorial board specifically mentioned accepting classified ads for the sale of enslaved people and publishing editorials that promoted racial segregation and the disenfranchisement of Black voters. The paper committed to making amends for these past actions.

What did David D. Smith say about integrating technology and community news at The Baltimore Sun?

David D. Smith expressed his belief that he could grow subscriptions and advertising for The Baltimore Sun by focusing more on community news and integrating technology in innovative ways that other print publishers were not utilizing.

What concerns did the Baltimore Sun Guild raise about David Smith's alleged union-busting activities?

The Baltimore Sun Guild raised concerns that David Smith's management was proposing union-busting clauses in contract negotiations, such as the ability to terminate employees without just cause. Employees also distributed fliers calling Smith a "union buster," which Smith denied, citing his long history of negotiating with unions.

What was the outcome of the Pulitzer Prize storyline involving Scott Templeton in 'The Wire'?

In 'The Wire,' the storyline involving Scott Templeton depicted him and the senior editors of the fictional Sun accepting a Pulitzer Prize, with no mention of the aftermath of Templeton's career or the ethical compromises made. This portrayal suggested a critique of the media's pursuit of awards over journalistic integrity.

What specific content from WBFF-TV and other Sinclair outlets has been republished by The Baltimore Sun?

Since David Smith's acquisition, The Baltimore Sun has republished content from WBFF-TV, Sinclair's flagship station, and other Sinclair outlets. This includes articles and columns that the newspaper's union felt did not meet The Sun's journalistic standards, particularly concerning language used to describe immigrants and transgender people.

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

Armstrong Williams stated that while he respected the Baltimore Sun Guild's opinion, he hoped the union would "reciprocally appreciate legitimate managerial prerogatives in the journalistic enterprise." He also wrote that the union and Associated Press lacked the authority to dictate language usage.

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

The Baltimore Sun Guild called the firing of reporter Maddi O'Neill, who had questioned journalistic standards under the new ownership, a "cowardly" decision emblematic of "mismanagement" by the paper's new owners. The guild later filed a federal complaint asserting she was fired for engaging in protected concerted activity.

What is the significance of the 'Sunpapers of Baltimore' book?

The book 'The Sunpapers of Baltimore,' edited by Gerald W. Johnson and H. L. Mencken in 1937, is a significant historical work that chronicles the newspaper's early years and its role in American journalism. It provides insight into the paper's development and its influential contributors.

What was the purpose of the 'Today's Front Pages' initiative mentioned in the external links?

The 'Today's Front Pages' initiative, mentioned in the external links section, likely refers to a project, possibly by the Freedom Forum, that showcases current front pages of newspapers, including The Baltimore Sun, to provide a snapshot of contemporary news coverage.

What specific allegations were made against Thomas Andrews Drake concerning The Baltimore Sun?

Thomas Andrews Drake, a former National Security Agency executive, was accused of leaking classified information to Siobhan Gorman, a national security reporter for The Baltimore Sun, between 2006 and 2007. Drake was later charged with felony counts related to these leaks.

The Baltimore Sun Wiki: The Baltimore Sun: A Journalistic Chronicle

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Maryland's Premier Newspaper

The Baltimore Sun stands as the largest general-circulation daily newspaper based in the U.S. state of Maryland. It provides comprehensive coverage encompassing local, regional, national, and international news, establishing itself as a cornerstone of information dissemination within its primary market.

Historical Foundation

Founded on May 17, 1837, the newspaper boasts a long and storied history. Its establishment predates many other major American publications, positioning it as a significant historical entity in the landscape of U.S. journalism.

Evolving Ownership

Throughout its existence, The Baltimore Sun has undergone several significant ownership transitions. From its founding family to major media conglomerates and recent private equity and individual ownership, these changes have shaped its operational trajectory and editorial direction.

Founding and Early Years

Genesis of The Sun

The Sun was established by Arunah Shepherdson Abell, William Moseley Swain, and Azariah H. Simmons. Abell, a seasoned journalist, partnered with Swain and Simmons, who had prior experience publishing the Public Ledger in Philadelphia. The newspaper's initial operations commenced in downtown Baltimore.

Early Operations

The newspaper's first issue was printed as a four-page tabloid in the mid-1830s at 21 Light Street in downtown Baltimore. The paper later moved to a five-story structure at Baltimore and South streets in 1851, which was unfortunately destroyed in the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904.

Ownership Evolution

The Abell Era and Beyond

The Abell family maintained ownership of The Sun for over a century, until 1910. In that year, the Black and Garrett families, influenced by Charles H. Grasty, acquired a controlling interest, retaining the A. S. Abell Company name for the parent publishing entity.

Corporate Transitions

The newspaper was sold to the Times-Mirror Company in 1986. Subsequently, it was acquired by the Tribune Company in 2000, later becoming part of Tribune Publishing. In May 2021, Alden Global Capital acquired Tribune Publishing. Most recently, in January 2024, David D. Smith, executive chairman of Sinclair Broadcast Group, finalized a deal to purchase the paper.

Failed Non-Profit Bid

Notably, in February 2021, businessman Stewart W. Bainum Jr. led a bid to acquire The Sun as a non-profit entity. This effort, however, did not materialize, and Bainum subsequently founded The Baltimore Banner, committing significant funding to the new publication.

Editions and Digital Presence

Morning and Evening

From 1910 to 1995, The Sun operated with distinct morning and afternoon editions: The Sun and The Evening Sun. The Evening Sun, established under H.L. Mencken, ceased publication in 1995 due to declining readership, a trend affecting many afternoon papers.

Sunday Publication

The Sunday Sun was historically recognized for its locally produced rotogravure pictorial magazine section, featuring works by photographers like A. Aubrey Bodine. While the standalone magazine was dropped in 1996, a quarterly version was revived in 2010, alongside the inclusion of Parade magazine.

Digital Transformation

The newspaper launched its website, baltimoresun.com, in 1996. It has since evolved to include numerous blogs covering diverse topics, introduced an iPhone app in 2010, and implemented a paywall for online content in 2011, adapting to the digital media landscape.

Distinguished Contributors

Pulitzer Recognition

The Baltimore Sun has a distinguished record of journalistic achievement, having earned 16 Pulitzer Prizes. This recognition underscores the paper's commitment to high-quality reporting and impactful storytelling across various journalistic disciplines.

Notable Staff

The newspaper has been a platform for numerous influential journalists, editors, photographers, and cartoonists. Among its most celebrated contributors is H.L. Mencken, who maintained a career-spanning association with the paper. Other notable figures include Rafael Alvarez, Linda Carter Brinson, Richard Ben Cramer, Russell Baker, Gwen Ifill, and David Simon.

Physical Infrastructure

Historical Locations

The newspaper's physical presence has evolved significantly. Early operations were based in downtown Baltimore. In 1950, operations moved to a plant at Calvert and Centre streets, which served as its headquarters for decades. A significant expansion occurred in 1988 with the construction of "Sun Park" in Port Covington.

Modern Transitions

In January 2022, printing operations ceased at Sun Park, relocating to Wilmington, Delaware. Subsequently, the newspaper's offices moved back to downtown Baltimore at 200 St. Paul Place. Future plans indicate a further relocation of the newsroom to the Bagby Building in Little Italy.

Contemporary Challenges and Controversies

Impact of New Ownership

The acquisition by David D. Smith has introduced significant shifts. Reports indicate a focus on community news and technology integration, alongside a perceived shift towards more conservative viewpoints. This has led to staff concerns regarding journalistic standards, ethical practices, and union negotiations, contributing to readership declines and staff departures.

Historical Controversies

The Sun has navigated notable controversies, including a First Amendment lawsuit against the Ehrlich administration regarding press access, and the plagiarism scandal involving columnist Michael Olesker. Past issues also include reporting on classified leaks and compliance with European data privacy regulations.

Staff Relations and Ethics

Recent events include staff protests against the republishing of content from Sinclair-affiliated outlets and commentary deemed to not meet the paper's standards. Concerns have been raised about management's approach to union contract negotiations and the dismissal of reporters who questioned editorial direction.

Cultural Resonance

Portrayal in "The Wire"

The Baltimore Sun was prominently featured in the acclaimed television series The Wire during its fifth season. The portrayal depicted the newspaper's internal dynamics, including dedicated staff members, business pressures, layoffs, and the pursuit of journalistic accolades, reflecting the complex realities of modern media.

Narrative Depiction

The series explored themes of media influence on political decisions and police department priorities. A fictional storyline involving a reporter's escalating falsification of stories highlighted the pressures and ethical challenges faced by news organizations striving for recognition, such as winning a Pulitzer Prize.

Media Partnerships

Broadcast Collaborations

The Baltimore Sun has engaged in strategic partnerships with local television stations. Historically, this included a collaboration with WJZ-TV (CBS), involving content sharing and joint story development. More recently, a partnership with Sinclair's WBFF-TV (Fox) has led to the republication of content between the outlets.

Content Integration

These partnerships facilitate the cross-promotion of news content across different media platforms. However, the integration of content from broadcast partners has also raised concerns among staff regarding journalistic standards and transparency, particularly under recent ownership changes.

Awards and Recognition

Journalistic Excellence

The Baltimore Sun has consistently been recognized for its journalistic contributions. The newspaper has received numerous accolades throughout its history, most notably securing 16 Pulitzer Prizes for its outstanding reporting and coverage across various categories.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "The Baltimore Sun" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about the_baltimore_sun while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

danish refugee council

edinburgh university press

jewish hat

1980s oil glut

lincolnshire

notes on the state of virginia

References

Van Doren, Charles and Robert McKendry, ed., Webster's American Biographies. (Springfield, Massachusetts: Merriam-Webster, 1984) p. 5.

"Baltimore Sun to buy Patuxent Publishing Columbia company has 15 newspapers, magazines in region", Baltimore Sun

"Court Favors Ehrlich on Ban", The Baltimore Sun, February 16, 2006

A full list of references for this article are available at the The Baltimore Sun Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, synthesizing information from publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, it is intended as an academic overview and not as a definitive or exhaustive account.

This is not professional media or historical advice. The content presented here is for informational and analytical purposes only and should not substitute consultation with media historians, journalism scholars, or legal professionals. Always refer to primary sources and expert analysis for critical decision-making.

The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein.

The Baltimore Sun

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📰 Maryland's Premier Newspaper

📅 Historical Foundation

🏢 Evolving Ownership

Founding and Early Years 📜

✍️ Genesis of The Sun

📍 Early Operations

Ownership Evolution 🏛️

👑 The Abell Era and Beyond

➡️ Corporate Transitions

💡 Failed Non-Profit Bid

Editions and Digital Presence 💻

📰 Morning and Evening

☀️ Sunday Publication

🌐 Digital Transformation

Distinguished Contributors 🌟

🏆 Pulitzer Recognition

🖋️ Notable Staff

Physical Infrastructure 🏗️

🏢 Historical Locations

➡️ Modern Transitions

Contemporary Challenges and Controversies ⚠️

📉 Impact of New Ownership

⚖️ Historical Controversies

🗣️ Staff Relations and Ethics

Cultural Resonance 🎬

📺 Portrayal in "The Wire"

🎭 Narrative Depiction

Media Partnerships 🤝

📺 Broadcast Collaborations

📰 Content Integration

Awards and Recognition 🏅

🏆 Journalistic Excellence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Maryland's Premier Newspaper

Historical Foundation

Evolving Ownership

Founding and Early Years

Genesis of The Sun

Early Operations

Ownership Evolution

The Abell Era and Beyond

Corporate Transitions

Failed Non-Profit Bid

Editions and Digital Presence

Morning and Evening

Sunday Publication

Digital Transformation

Distinguished Contributors

Pulitzer Recognition

Notable Staff

Physical Infrastructure

Historical Locations

Modern Transitions

Contemporary Challenges and Controversies

Impact of New Ownership

Historical Controversies

Staff Relations and Ethics

Cultural Resonance

Portrayal in "The Wire"

Narrative Depiction

Media Partnerships

Broadcast Collaborations

Content Integration

Awards and Recognition

Journalistic Excellence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice