An in-depth look at The Globe and Mail, Canada's National Newspaper. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Canada's National Chronicle

Exploring the legacy, operations, and influence of a cornerstone of Canadian journalism.

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Overview

National Reach

The Globe and Mail stands as a preeminent Canadian newspaper, distributed across five major urban centers in Western and Central Canada. As of 2024, it commands a weekly readership exceeding six million, establishing it as the nation's most widely consumed newspaper on weekdays and Saturdays. While the Toronto Star maintains a slightly higher overall weekly circulation due to its Sunday edition, The Globe and Mail is widely recognized as Canada's de facto 'newspaper of record'.

Foundational Roots

Its origins trace back to the mid-19th century with the founding of The Globe by George Brown in 1844. This publication, alongside The Mail and Empire (formed in 1895), eventually merged in 1936 to create the modern iteration of The Globe and Mail. This rich history underscores its deep connection to Canada's development and political landscape.

Business Authority

The newspaper's "Report on Business" section is a critical component, serving as Canada's most extensive daily compilation of economic and financial news. This section, along with its associated magazine and television presence, solidifies its reputation as a leading voice in Canadian business and finance.

Key Information

Ownership & Structure

The Globe and Mail is currently owned by The Woodbridge Company, the private holding company of the Thomson family. This ownership structure has guided its trajectory through various media conglomerates, including FP Publications, Thomson Corporation, and Bell Globemedia, reflecting shifts in Canada's media landscape.

Headquarters & Operations

The newspaper's headquarters are situated in the Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Its operational history includes moves to different prominent locations within the city, adapting to evolving urban development and media infrastructure.

Publication Details

Published as a daily newspaper in a broadsheet format, The Globe and Mail maintains a significant print and digital presence. Its circulation figures place it among Canada's leading publications, underscoring its broad readership and influence.

Historical Trajectory

Origins and Foundation

The newspaper's lineage begins with The Globe, established in 1844 by George Brown, a Scottish immigrant and future Father of Confederation. Initially a weekly organ for the Reform Party, Brown's vision transformed it into an influential daily newspaper. Concurrently, The Mail and Empire emerged from the merger of two conservative papers, The Toronto Mail and The Empire, founded by John A. Macdonald.

Mergers and Acquisitions

A pivotal moment occurred on November 23, 1936, when The Globe merged with The Mail and Empire, forming The Globe and Mail. This union was orchestrated by George McCullagh. Over the decades, ownership transitioned from FP Publications to the Thomson Corporation in 1980, followed by a period within Bell Globemedia, before direct control was reacquired by the Thomson family's Woodbridge Company in 2010.

Evolution of Operations

The newspaper's physical presence evolved from its early King Street West location to 444 Front Street West in 1974, and finally to its current headquarters at the Globe and Mail Centre in 2016. These moves reflect the changing physical and technological landscape of media production.

Digital Transformation and Modernization

The Globe and Mail embraced the digital age by launching its website, globeandmail.com, in 1995, which began featuring original content in 2000. Subsequent developments included the introduction of paid digital subscriptions ("Globe Unlimited") in 2012, a significant print redesign in 2010, and a refreshed web design in 2017 that garnered industry awards. The establishment of the News Photo Archive in 2017 further highlighted its commitment to preserving its journalistic heritage.

Report on Business

Financial Journalism

The "Report on Business" (ROB) is the newspaper's dedicated financial section, recognized as Canada's most comprehensive daily compilation of economic news. It provides in-depth analysis and reporting crucial for understanding the nation's financial sector.

Associated Publications

Complementing the daily section, "Report on Business Weekend" offers extended features on corporate lifestyle and personal finance. Furthermore, the monthly Report on Business Magazine is the largest finance-oriented publication in Canada, catering to a sophisticated readership.

Broadcast Integration

The Globe and Mail's influence extends to broadcast media through Business News Network (BNN), formerly ROBtv. This 24-hour news and business television station, initially founded by The Globe and Mail, operates in partnership with CTV, extending its reach into the visual media landscape.

Political Stance & Endorsements

Editorial Orientation

Historically, The Globe and Mail has often been associated with a centre-right to centrist political orientation, particularly in its endorsements during federal elections. While perceived by some as catering to the Canadian political and intellectual elite, its editorial positions have also reflected socially liberal stances on issues such as drug decriminalization and gay rights, demonstrating a nuanced ideological spectrum.

Electoral Endorsements

Throughout its history, the newspaper has endorsed various political parties in federal elections, including the Progressive Conservatives and, at times, the Liberal Party. Its endorsements have often been strategic, aiming to influence electoral outcomes and shape national policy debates. Notably, in 2015, it endorsed the Conservatives but called for the leader's resignation, and in 2019, it refrained from making an endorsement.

Perceived Bias

Surveys indicate a public perception of bias among a significant portion of its readership, with opinions divided on whether this bias favors the Liberal or Conservative parties. This perception highlights the complex relationship between media outlets and public trust in their objectivity.

Key Personnel

Editorial Leadership

The newspaper has been guided by distinguished editors-in-chief throughout its history, including figures such as George McCullagh, William Thorsell, John Stackhouse, and the current editor, David Walmsley. Their leadership has shaped the editorial direction and journalistic standards of the publication.

International Correspondents

The Globe and Mail maintains a robust network of foreign correspondents who provide critical global perspectives. Notable figures include Mark MacKinnon (London), Eric Reguly (Rome), and Geoffrey York (Africa bureau chief), whose reporting brings international affairs to the forefront for Canadian readers.

Influential Columnists

The paper features prominent columnists who contribute significantly to public discourse. Writers such as Andrew Coyne, John Ibbitson, and Doug Saunders offer insightful commentary on political, economic, and social issues, shaping public opinion and policy debates.

Further Reading

Scholarly Works

Academic and historical analyses provide deeper insights into The Globe and Mail's role and evolution. Works such as David Hayes's Power and Influence: The Globe and Mail and the News Revolution offer critical perspectives on its impact on Canadian journalism.

Online Resources

Comprehensive information is available through resources like The Canadian Encyclopedia and various online archives, which document the newspaper's extensive history and contributions to Canadian public life.

Authority Control

Identifiers

Standardized identifiers from various international and national databases help in uniquely identifying and cataloging information about The Globe and Mail.

  • VIAF: 8286148523918920970003
  • GND: 4652284-0
  • LOC: n50071925
  • NKC: unn20221169639
  • NLI: 987009956982705171

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References

References

  1.  The following date was when The Globe published its first edition. The Globe later merged with The Mail and Empire to form The Globe and Mail on November 23, 1936.
  2.  Walter I. Romanow and Walter C. Soderlund, "Thomson Newspapers' Acquisition of 'The Globe and Mail:' A Case Study of Content Change", Gazette: The International Journal for Mass Communication Studies (1988) 41#1 pp 5-17.
  3.  globeandmail.com: "Bell ushers in new era with CTV deal", September 11, 2010
  4.  "Globe and Mail unveils bold design", from cbcnews.ca, January 10, 2010
A full list of references for this article are available at the The Globe and Mail Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data, which may not be entirely comprehensive, current, or free from inaccuracies. The information provided is not a substitute for professional consultation or verification from primary sources.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here does not constitute legal, financial, or journalistic advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance related to media, business, or historical research.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.