What is The Fayetteville Observer?

The Fayetteville Observer is a daily newspaper published in Fayetteville, North Carolina, written in American English. It holds the distinction of being the oldest local newspaper still in publication within North Carolina.

When was The Fayetteville Observer established, and what was its original name?

The newspaper was founded in 1816, initially operating under the name *Carolina Observer*. It was later renamed *The Fayetteville Observer* in 1833.

What is the publication format and type of The Fayetteville Observer?

The Fayetteville Observer is published in a broadsheet format and functions as a daily newspaper.

Who currently owns The Fayetteville Observer?

The Fayetteville Observer is currently owned by Gannett. This ownership followed an acquisition by GateHouse Media, which itself became Gannett through a merger in 2019.

Who are the named editors for The Fayetteville Observer?

Beth Hutson serves as the News Editor, and Myron B. Pitts is the Opinion Editor for The Fayetteville Observer.

What was the reported circulation of The Fayetteville Observer in 2018?

In 2018, The Fayetteville Observer reported a circulation figure of 19,427.

Where is the headquarters of The Fayetteville Observer located?

The newspaper's headquarters are situated at 581 Executive Place in Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28305, USA.

What is the historical context regarding the continuous publication of The Fayetteville Observer in North Carolina?

Although founded in 1816, The Fayetteville Observer ceased publication between 1865 and 1883. Consequently, the Wilmington Star-News, established in 1867, is recognized as North Carolina's oldest newspaper published without interruption.

What significant historical event impacted The Fayetteville Observer's offices in 1865?

In 1865, the offices of The Fayetteville Observer were destroyed by the forces of William T. Sherman during his Civil War campaign.

Who was Edward Jones Hale and what was his connection to The Fayetteville Observer?

Edward Jones Hale served as the editor of The Fayetteville Observer from 1825 to 1865. During his leadership, the newspaper was a strong proponent of the Whig Party and frequently published historical articles about North Carolina alongside accounts of the Civil War.

How did the Hale family's involvement with the newspaper continue after the Civil War?

Following the destruction of the newspaper's buildings during the Civil War, the Hale family relocated to New York. Edward Joseph Hale, son of Edward Jones Hale, returned in 1883 to re-establish the newspaper and managed its ownership until it was sold in 1919.

Describe the evolution of The Fayetteville Observer's publication schedule and naming in the late 20th century.

The Fayetteville Publishing Company, founded in 1923, introduced a Sunday edition in 1957. Initially an afternoon publication, it launched a morning edition, *The Fayetteville Times*, in 1973. Combined Sunday editions became standard, followed by a combined Saturday edition in 1982. In 1990, the McMurrays merged the two papers into a single morning paper named *The Fayetteville Observer-Times*, which later simplified its name to *The Fayetteville Observer* in 1999.

When did The Fayetteville Observer first launch a website?

The Fayetteville Observer launched its first website in 1995. It also maintains a presence on Facebook for news dissemination and reader engagement.

What international recognition did The Fayetteville Observer receive in 2002?

In 2002, The Fayetteville Observer was honored in an international color-quality competition, being named one of the 50 best-printed newspapers.

What awards did The Fayetteville Observer receive from the North Carolina Press Association in 2010 and 2011?

The North Carolina Press Association awarded The Fayetteville Observer first place in excellence for large newspapers in both 2010 and 2011.

What specific awards did The Fayetteville Observer achieve in 2018 from the North Carolina Press Association?

In 2018, The Fayetteville Observer secured first place in General Excellence and had Melissa Sue Gerrits recognized as the Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year by the North Carolina Press Association.

What does the caption for the March 9, 1865 image describe?

The caption identifies the image as the front page of The Fayetteville Observer newspaper from March 9, 1865.

Who is shown in the other historical image, and what was his role?

The image shows Edward Jones Hale, who served as the editor and owner of The Fayetteville Observer from 1825 to 1865.

What are the unique identifiers (ISSN and OCLC number) listed for The Fayetteville Observer?

The Fayetteville Observer is identified by the ISSN 2155-9740 and the OCLC number 45115389.

What is the official website address for The Fayetteville Observer?

The official website for The Fayetteville Observer can be accessed at fayobserver.com.

What is Gannett's role concerning The Fayetteville Observer?

Gannett is the current owner of The Fayetteville Observer. Gannett is a large media conglomerate that owns numerous newspapers and other media properties.

Can you provide examples of other major daily newspapers owned by Gannett in the United States?

Gannett owns a significant portfolio of U.S. newspapers, including prominent titles such as *USA Today*, *The Arizona Republic*, *The Cincinnati Enquirer*, *The Des Moines Register*, and the *Detroit Free Press*.

What kind of publications fall under Gannett's BridgeTower Media division?

BridgeTower Media, a division of Gannett, focuses on business-to-business publications. Examples include the *Central Penn Business Journal*, *Long Island Business News*, and *Michigan Lawyers Weekly*.

Does Gannett operate newspapers internationally, and if so, where?

Yes, through its subsidiary Newsquest, Gannett owns and operates numerous daily newspapers in the United Kingdom, such as *The Argus* (Brighton), *The Bolton News*, and *The Northern Echo*.

What were some of the companies acquired by GateHouse Media before it became part of Gannett?

Before GateHouse Media was acquired and became part of Gannett, it had integrated several other media companies, including American Consolidated Media, Calkins Media, Halifax Media Group, and Stephens Media.

What is the historical significance of the name change from *Carolina Observer* to *The Fayetteville Observer*?

The name change from *Carolina Observer* to *The Fayetteville Observer* in 1833 marked a shift in the newspaper's identity, localizing its name to its city of publication while retaining its historical lineage.

What political stance did The Fayetteville Observer take during the mid-19th century?

Under the editorship of Edward Jones Hale from 1825 to 1865, The Fayetteville Observer was a prominent supporter of the Whig Party (United States).

What role does the North Carolina Press Association play concerning The Fayetteville Observer?

The Fayetteville Observer is a member of the North Carolina Press Association, an organization that recognizes journalistic achievements through annual awards, which The Observer has received multiple times.

What does the term 'broadsheet' signify regarding newspaper format?

A broadsheet is a large-format newspaper, typically characterized by its substantial page size, distinguishing it from smaller formats like tabloids.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section provides readers with links to related topics or articles, such as the 'List of newspapers in North Carolina,' to encourage further exploration of the subject matter.

What information is typically found in the 'References' section of a Wikipedia article?

The 'References' section lists all the sources cited within the article, providing readers with the original data points and allowing for verification of the information presented.

What is the function of the 'External links' section?

The 'External links' section offers links to relevant websites outside of Wikipedia, providing additional resources or information related to the article's topic, such as digitized historical issues of the newspaper.

What is the purpose of the navigation boxes (navboxes) often found at the bottom of Wikipedia articles?

Navigation boxes, like the ones related to Gannett and its publications, serve as navigational tools that group related articles together, making it easier for users to discover and move between interconnected topics.

What does the 'infobox' at the beginning of the article summarize?

The infobox provides a quick, structured overview of essential details about The Fayetteville Observer, including its type, format, ownership, founding date, headquarters, and circulation figures.

What does the 'mw-parser-output' class in the HTML structure indicate?

The 'mw-parser-output' class signifies that the content within it is the rendered output generated by the MediaWiki software after processing the wiki markup.

What is the likely meaning of the 'agent' designation next to editor names in the infobox?

The term 'agent' in this context likely refers to the individual person who holds the specified editorial position, acting as the responsible party for that role within the newspaper.

What does a Wikipedia link containing 'mw-redirect' signify?

A link with 'mw-redirect' indicates that the target page is a redirect; clicking it will automatically take the user to the primary article title for that subject.

What is the purpose of citation markers like [1] or [2] within the article text?

Citation markers are superscript numbers linked to the 'References' section, indicating that the information preceding the marker is supported by a cited source, thereby allowing for verification.

What does the `srcset` attribute on an image tag provide?

The `srcset` attribute allows the browser to choose the most suitable image file based on the user's screen size and resolution, optimizing image loading and display quality.

What do the `data-file-width` and `data-file-height` attributes on an image represent?

These attributes specify the original dimensions, in pixels, of the image file, providing information about its native size.

What is the significance of the 'fn org' classes associated with the infobox title?

These classes likely denote that the title is the 'fn' (function or feature) of the 'org' (organization), identifying the main subject of the infobox.

What does the 'mw-file-description' class typically relate to?

The 'mw-file-description' class is used to structure and style the descriptive elements associated with a media file, such as its caption and source information.

What is the purpose of the 'shortdescription' class?

The 'shortdescription' class is used to apply a brief, concise summary of the article's subject, often displayed prominently near the title.

What does the 'hlist' class typically achieve in navigation boxes?

The 'hlist' class formats list items horizontally, which is useful for navigation boxes to present information compactly within limited space.

What does the 'navbar' element within templates usually provide?

The 'navbar' element typically includes controls for viewing, discussing, and editing the template itself, often represented by 'v', 't', and 'e' links.

What does the 'reference-text' class style?

The 'reference-text' class is used to format the content of the actual reference entries listed at the end of the article.

What is the historical context of the newspaper's offices being destroyed in 1865?

The destruction of The Fayetteville Observer's offices in 1865 by William T. Sherman's army occurred during the final stages of the American Civil War, highlighting the conflict's impact on civilian infrastructure, including media outlets.

What does the 'agent' tag signify in the context of the News and Opinion editors?

The 'agent' tag likely denotes the individual person holding the position of editor, indicating they are the responsible party for that specific editorial function within the newspaper.

What is the significance of the newspaper being published in 'American English'?

Specifying 'American English' indicates the dialect and conventions used in the newspaper's content, distinguishing it from other English variants like British English.

What does the 'fn org' designation in the infobox title suggest?

The 'fn org' designation likely indicates that the title element serves as the primary identifier ('fn') for the organization ('org') being described in the infobox.

The Fayetteville Observer Wiki: The Fayetteville Observer: A Chronicle of North Carolina Journalism

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About The Observer

A Legacy in Print

The Fayetteville Observer stands as a testament to enduring journalism in North Carolina. Established in 1816, it holds the distinction of being the state's oldest continuously published local newspaper. Initially known as the Carolina Observer, it adopted its current name, The Fayetteville Observer, in 1833, solidifying its identity within the community it serves.

Ownership and Operations

For a significant period, from 1923 to 2016, the newspaper was under the stewardship of the McMurray family. This era of local ownership concluded with its acquisition by GateHouse Media, which subsequently merged into Gannett in 2019. The publication operates from its headquarters located at 581 Executive Place in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Reach and Format

Published daily in a broadsheet format, The Fayetteville Observer serves its readership with comprehensive news coverage. As of 2018, its reported circulation stood at 19,427 copies. The newspaper maintains a distinct presence with its ISSN 2155-9740 and OCLC number 45115389, and its digital footprint is accessible via its website, fayobserver.com.

A Journey Through Time

Foundational Years and Editorial Leadership

Founded in 1816 as the Carolina Observer, the paper quickly established itself. By 1833, it was renamed The Fayetteville Observer. A pivotal figure in its early history was Edward Jones Hale, who served as editor from 1825 to 1865. During his tenure, the paper was a notable advocate for the Whig Party and provided extensive coverage of the American Civil War.

Resilience Amidst Conflict

The Civil War marked a period of profound disruption. In 1865, the newspaper's offices were destroyed by Union forces under General William T. Sherman. This event led to a hiatus in publication until 1883, when the paper was refounded as The Fayetteville Observer. This interruption means that while it is North Carolina's oldest *founded* newspaper, the Wilmington Star-News (founded 1867) holds the title for oldest *continuously published* newspaper.

Edward Joseph Hale, son of Edward Jones Hale, returned to North Carolina in 1883 to revive the newspaper. He continued its ownership until 1919, after which it was sold to local businessmen. The Fayetteville Publishing Company was established in 1923, ushering in a new era of family stewardship under the McMurray family for four generations.

The publication expanded its offerings over time: a Sunday edition commenced in 1957. In 1973, a separate morning paper, The Fayetteville Times, was launched. Following combined Sunday editions and eventually combined Saturday editions from 1982, the two papers were merged into a single morning publication, The Fayetteville Observer-Times, in 1990. The "Times" was dropped from the masthead in 1999, returning to the singular Fayetteville Observer.

Embracing technological advancements, the Fayetteville Observer launched its first website in 1995 and maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook for news dissemination and reader engagement.

Accolades and Recognition

Esteemed Industry Recognition

As an active member of the North Carolina Press Association, The Fayetteville Observer has consistently been recognized for its journalistic excellence and production quality. Its contributions have earned it numerous accolades throughout its history.

2002: Recognized internationally among the 50 best-printed newspapers for color quality.
2010 & 2011: Awarded 1st place for excellence among large newspapers by the North Carolina Press Association.
2018: Melissa Sue Gerrits received the Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year award from the North Carolina Press Association, and the paper secured 1st Place in General Excellence.

Related Information

Archival Access

Digital Archives

Historical issues of The Fayetteville Observer, specifically from the period of 1851-1865, are accessible through the digital archives hosted by digitalnc.org. This collection offers a valuable resource for researchers and historians interested in the newspaper's Civil War era content.

Issues of the Fayetteville Observer from 1851-1865 available via digitalnc.org.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the The Fayetteville Observer Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on The Fayetteville Observer, and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments.

This is not professional journalistic or historical advice. The information provided should not substitute consultation with professional archivists, historians, or media specialists. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the source material, the creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.

The Fayetteville Observer

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

About The Observer ℹ️

📰 A Legacy in Print

🏢 Ownership and Operations

📊 Reach and Format

A Journey Through Time ⏳

📜 Foundational Years and Editorial Leadership

🔥 Resilience Amidst Conflict

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

🏅 Esteemed Industry Recognition

Related Information 🔗

📚 Further Reading

Archival Access 🗄️

📜 Digital Archives

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About The Observer

A Legacy in Print

Ownership and Operations

Reach and Format

A Journey Through Time

Foundational Years and Editorial Leadership

Resilience Amidst Conflict

Accolades and Recognition

Esteemed Industry Recognition

Related Information

Further Reading

Archival Access

Digital Archives

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice