The Florida Times-Union
A Chronicle of Jacksonville's Press History
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Overview
Jacksonville's Premier Daily
The Florida Times-Union is a distinguished daily newspaper based in Jacksonville, Florida. Widely recognized as the oldest newspaper in the state, it has been a cornerstone of Florida's journalistic landscape since its inception.
A Legacy of Publication
Its origins trace back to 1864 when it first began publication as the Florida Union. The newspaper's current iteration emerged in 1883 through a significant merger, solidifying its presence and influence in the region.
Circulation and Reach
With a reported circulation of 27,818, The Florida Times-Union continues to serve its readership. Its official website, jacksonville.com, extends its reach in the digital age.
Historical Trajectory
Civil War Origins
The newspaper's genesis occurred in 1864, amidst the American Civil War. Published by J. K. Stickney and W. C. Morrill, the initial publication, the Florida Union, was aligned with Northern and Republican interests during a period when Jacksonville was under Union Army occupation.
The Merger of 1883
Following a period of financial challenges and ownership changes for the Florida Union, Charles H. Jones, a rival publisher, founded the Florida Daily Times in 1881. By 1883, the Daily Times had surpassed the Union in dominance. A subsequent sale led to the merger of the two papers, creating The Florida Times-Union, with its inaugural edition published on February 4, 1883. This union was instrumental in shaping the paper's future, promoting railroad interests and influencing regional discourse.
Modern Transitions
In a significant shift, The Florida Times-Union printed its final edition in Jacksonville in February 2018, concluding a 154-year run of local printing. Subsequently, its newspapers began being printed at affiliated publications, The Gainesville Sun and The Daytona Beach News-Journal. The paper's operational hub also relocated to new offices in downtown Jacksonville.
Corporate Evolution
Railroad Era
For a substantial portion of the 20th century, The Florida Times-Union was under the joint ownership of Florida Publishing Company, which was equally held by the state's three major railroads: the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, the Florida East Coast Railway, and the Seaboard Air Line Railway. This unique ownership structure reflected Jacksonville's importance as a railroad hub.
Media Conglomerate Shifts
In 1983, Morris Communications acquired Florida Publishing Company. Later, in October 2017, Gatehouse Media purchased The Times-Union and numerous other papers from Morris Communications. This transaction marked a significant consolidation in the newspaper industry. In 2019, Gatehouse Media merged with Gannett, with the combined entity adopting the more widely recognized Gannett name, integrating The Florida Times-Union into a larger national media portfolio.
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Important Considerations
This document has been meticulously crafted by an AI, drawing exclusively from the provided source material to offer an academic perspective on The Florida Times-Union. It is intended for educational purposes and to facilitate deeper understanding for higher education students.
This is not a substitute for primary source research or professional journalistic analysis. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided text, the content is a curated interpretation. Readers are encouraged to consult the original sources and conduct their own research for comprehensive insights.
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