What is United Press International (UPI)?

United Press International (UPI) is an American international news agency that provided news material through newswires, photo, news film, and audio services to thousands of media subscribers for much of the 20th century.

When was United Press International (UPI) officially formed?

UPI was officially formed in 1958 when the United Press (UP) absorbed the International News Service (INS) in May of that year.

Who founded the predecessor to UPI, United Press Associations?

United Press Associations, the predecessor to UPI, was founded in 1907 by Midwest newspaper publisher E. W. Scripps.

What was the original name of the news agency that eventually became UPI?

The original name was United Press Associations, though it was publicly known and identified as United Press or UP.

What significant event led to the formation of United Press International (UPI)?

UPI was formed in 1958 through the merger of United Press (UP) and the International News Service (INS).

Who was the president of United Press from 1935 to 1955?

Hugh Baillie served as the president of United Press from 1935 to 1955.

What was the peak number of media subscribers for UPI?

At its peak, UPI served more than 6,000 media subscribers.

What were the primary competitors of UPI in the news agency market?

UPI's main competitors were the Associated Press (AP) domestically, and internationally it competed with AP, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse (AFP).

What factors contributed to the decline of UPI's business starting in the early 1980s?

The business of UPI began to decline with the rising popularity of television news and the subsequent fall in circulation of afternoon newspapers, its chief client category. This decline accelerated after its sale in 1982.

When did UPI experience its first sale and subsequent staff cutbacks?

UPI experienced its first sale and staff cutbacks in 1982, marking the beginning of its accelerated decline.

What happened to UPI's broadcast client list in 1999?

In 1999, UPI sold its broadcast client list to its main U.S. rival, the Associated Press (AP).

What is UPI's current operational focus after its decline?

Since the late 1990s, UPI has concentrated on smaller information market niches, maintaining a news website, photo service, and electronically publishing information product packages.

Who purchased UPI in the year 2000?

In 2000, UPI was purchased by News World Communications, a company founded by Unification Church leader Sun Myung Moon.

What was the 'Ocean Press' service?

The 'Ocean Press' was a news service established in the 1930s as a corporate subsidiary of Scripps, designed to provide news to passengers on ocean liners.

When did UP become the first major news service to offer news to broadcasters?

UP was the first major news service to offer news to broadcasters in 1935, predating competitor AP's entry into the broadcast market.

What was the famous slogan associated with United Press reporters?

The famous slogan of United Press was 'Get it first, but FIRST, get it RIGHT.'

What notable early mistake did Roy W. Howard of UP make regarding World War I?

Roy W. Howard, then president of UP, mistakenly telegraphed that the 1918 armistice ending World War I had been declared four days before it actually occurred.

How did UPI's reporting of the Korean invasion in 1950 compare to the Associated Press?

UPI reported the invasion of South Korea by North Korea two hours and forty minutes before the Associated Press (AP) did.

What was Frank Bartholomew's key contribution to UPI's history?

Frank Bartholomew, as the last UP president to rise from the news ranks, was instrumental in merging UP with INS in 1958 to create United Press International (UPI).

What was the typical financial disparity between AP and UPI services for newspapers?

Newspapers generally paid UPI about half the amount they paid AP for comparable services; for instance, the Chicago Sun-Times paid AP $12,500 weekly while paying UPI only $5,000.

How did UPI's coverage of the Civil Rights Movement differ from AP's?

UPI offered more independent coverage of the Civil Rights Movement compared to AP, which faced pressure from Southern newspapers. UPI management generally allowed its reporters greater freedom in covering these events.

Which UPI reporter earned a Pulitzer Prize for covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy?

Merriman Smith, a UPI White House reporter, earned a Pulitzer Prize for his eyewitness reporting of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, which UPI broke ahead of AP.

When did United Press acquire its first direct wirephoto service?

United Press acquired its first direct wirephoto service in 1952 by absorbing the co-owned ACME Newspictures.

What was the significance of the UP Movietone (UPMT) service?

UP Movietone (UPMT) was a pioneering newsfilm syndication service for television stations, formed through a partnership between UP and 20th Century Fox's Movietone News.

What is the connection between UPITN executives and the founding of CNN?

Senior executives from UPITN (United Press International Television News) played a role in helping Ted Turner establish CNN, with the first two presidents of CNN originating from UPITN.

When was the UPI Audio actuality service for radio stations launched?

The UPI Audio actuality service for radio stations was launched in 1958 and was later renamed the United Press International Radio Network.

What was UPI's first 'high-speed' data newswire, and when was it introduced?

UPI introduced its first 'high-speed' data newswire in 1974, operating at a speed of 1,200 words per minute.

What technology was utilized for UPI's first cable TV news network, UPI Newstime?

UPI Newstime, launched in 1978, used slow-scan television (SSTV) technology transmitted via satellite to deliver its content to cable TV companies.

When did UPI file for its first Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

UPI filed for its first Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1984.

Who acquired UPI out of bankruptcy in the mid-1980s?

Mexican media magnate Mario Vázquez Raña purchased UPI out of bankruptcy for $40 million.

What happened to UPI's photo archives in the years following its financial difficulties?

UPI's foreign photo service was sold to Reuters, and its U.S. photo library was sold to the Bettmann Archive, which was subsequently acquired by Corbis Corporation.

When did UPI cease its broadcast news operations by selling its client list to AP?

UPI sold the client list of its radio network and broadcast wire to the Associated Press (AP) in 1999.

What were cited as primary reasons for UPI's decline in the early 1960s?

Reasons cited for UPI's decline include the reduction in evening newspapers, which were its main clients, and UPI's failure to establish a significant presence in television news.

What was the nominal purchase price when UPI was transferred to Douglas Ruhe and William Geissler?

Douglas Ruhe and William Geissler acquired UPI for a nominal price of $1.

What is the 'NewsTrack' service offered by UPI?

'NewsTrack' is a daily newsbrief summary service provided by UPI, encompassing general news, business, sports, science, health, entertainment, and a feature called 'Quirks in the News'.

In what languages is UPI's current content available?

UPI's content is currently available in text, video, and photo formats in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

What was the role and history of British United Press (BUP)?

British United Press (BUP) was established by UP in 1923 as its Canadian subsidiary, expanding to the UK and India. It supplied news to the BBC and launched Canada's first coast-to-coast radio newswire service.

Why did the Canadian government take action against BUP's broadcast licenses in 1940?

The Canadian government suspended BUP's broadcast licenses because the agency was selling commercial sponsorships for its news bulletins, which was against government policy.

What happened to British United Press's operations in Canada in 1979 and 1985?

In 1979, 80% of UPI Canada (formerly BUP) was sold to the Toronto Sun newspaper chain and renamed United Press Canada. It was later absorbed by Canadian Press in 1985.

What was the primary motivation behind E. W. Scripps establishing the United Press Associations?

E. W. Scripps founded United Press Associations to provide news services to his own newspapers, particularly those evening papers that were denied access to the Associated Press's services.

Describe the 'sink-or-swim' training method used by United Press.

The 'sink-or-swim' method involved assigning new reporters to unfamiliar subjects with minimal formal training, expecting them to learn quickly through practical experience.

Which prominent journalist began their career at United Press before anchoring the CBS Evening News?

Walter Cronkite started his journalism career with United Press before becoming the anchor of the CBS Evening News.

What was the strategic objective of merging United Press (UP) with the International News Service (INS)?

The merger aimed to create a more formidable competitor against the Associated Press (AP) and to establish a stronger overall economic entity.

What was the purpose of the 'Ocean Press' service?

The 'Ocean Press' service was created to deliver news content to passengers aboard ocean liners.

In what year did UP introduce its first all-sports wire service?

UP launched its first all-sports wire service in 1945.

What was the UPIU initiative?

UPIU was a journalism mentoring platform launched by UPI in 2008 to support students and journalism schools by providing a space for recent graduates to publish their work.

Until which year did United Press International present sports awards?

United Press International conferred its annual sports awards up until 1996.

What was the 'International Unifax machine'?

The International Unifax machine, developed by Acme Newspictures (a predecessor agency to UP), was recognized as the first automatic picture receiver.

What was the core reason E. W. Scripps founded United Press Associations?

Scripps founded UP to ensure his newspapers had access to news services, especially after the Associated Press denied service to some of his publications.

What was the consequence of keeping syndicates separate from the merged UPI entity?

By keeping syndicates separate, UPI forfeited potential revenue streams, such as those generated by the 'Peanuts' comic strip syndication through its former subsidiary, United Feature Syndicate.

Who was Helen Thomas, and what was her long-standing role at UPI?

Helen Thomas was a White House correspondent for UPI from the early 1960s until her resignation in 2000, having worked for the agency for 57 years and becoming a prominent figure.

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A Century of News: UPI's Genesis

Foundation and Early Years

United Press International (UPI) traces its origins to 1907, when newspaper publisher E. W. Scripps consolidated three smaller news syndicates—Publishers Press Association, Scripps-McRae Press Association, and Scripps News Association—to form the United Press Associations. This entity, publicly known as United Press (UP), was established to provide a competitive news service, particularly for Scripps' chain of newspapers that were often denied access to the Associated Press (AP) services due to competitive conflicts. UP quickly established a reputation for aggressive reporting and innovation, famously adopting the slogan, "Get it first, but FIRST, get it RIGHT."^[2]^[3]^[4]

The INS Merger

In 1958, UP underwent a significant transformation by merging with the International News Service (INS), a rival agency founded by William Randolph Hearst. This strategic union created United Press International (UPI), aiming to bolster its competitive position against the dominant Associated Press and international news agencies like Reuters and Agence France-Presse (AFP). The merged entity boasted an impressive scale, with approximately 6,000 employees and 5,000 media subscribers, including around 1,000 newspapers.^[6]^[7]^[23]

Global Reach and Influence

At its zenith, UPI operated an extensive network comprising over 2,000 full-time employees and 200 news bureaus strategically located in 92 countries. This global infrastructure enabled UPI to deliver news, photographs, and broadcast materials to a vast array of media outlets worldwide. Its reporting played a crucial role in shaping public understanding of major global events throughout the 20th century, establishing it as a cornerstone of international journalism.^[2]

Comprehensive News Delivery

Newswires and Text Services

UPI's core offering was its newswire service, providing text-based news reports to newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets. This formed the backbone of its operations, supplying timely and comprehensive coverage of domestic and international events. The agency's ability to deliver news rapidly, often ahead of competitors, was a key differentiator.

Photo and Newsfilm

Recognizing the growing importance of visual media, UPI developed robust photo and newsfilm services. It absorbed ACME Newspictures in 1952, enhancing its photographic capabilities. Furthermore, its partnership with Fox Movietone News in 1948 pioneered the international television newsfilm syndication service, which evolved into United Press International Television News (UPITN), a significant player in early broadcast journalism.^[25]

Audio and Broadcast

UPI was also a pioneer in audio news services for radio stations. Launched in 1958, the UPI Audio actuality service, later renamed the United Press International Radio Network, provided audio reports to numerous radio stations and networks, including NPR. This initiative underscored UPI's commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to reach diverse audiences.^[26]

Pioneering Journalism Technology

Early Adoptions

UPI consistently embraced technological advancements to enhance news dissemination. Key early innovations included the adoption of teleprinters in 1915, the development of the International Unifax machine for automatic picture reception in the 1930s/40s, and being the first major news service to offer content to broadcasters in 1935.^[2]^[36]^[37]

Advancing Media Formats

The agency further pushed boundaries by launching the first all-sports wire in 1945, the first international television news film service in 1948, and the first teletypesetter (TTS) service in 1951, which automated newspaper typesetting.^[38]^[38] The creation of the first wire service audio network in 1958 solidified its multi-format news delivery capabilities.^[26]

1974: Launched the first "high-speed" data newswire (1,200 WPM).
1978: Introduced UPI Newstime, the first cable TV news network using SSTV technology.
1979: Made world news reports available to home computer users.
1982: Pioneered a coding system for clients to select stories by topic, location, and subtopic.

Impact on Journalism

UPI's innovations, such as its early embrace of teleprinters and its pioneering work in photo and audio news, fundamentally shaped the practice of journalism. Its competitive spirit and focus on rapid, accurate reporting, epitomized by its slogan, fostered a dynamic news environment. Figures like Walter Cronkite and Helen Thomas honed their skills at UPI, contributing to its legacy as a training ground for generations of journalists.^[22]

Navigating the Decline

Shifting Media Landscape

The rise of television news and the subsequent decline in the circulation of afternoon newspapers, UPI's primary client base, significantly impacted the agency's business model starting in the early 1980s. UPI's failure to establish a strong presence in the burgeoning television news sector, unlike its competitors, further exacerbated its financial challenges.^[22]^[22]

Financial Struggles and Sales

The agency experienced significant financial difficulties, leading to multiple ownership changes and two Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganizations. The sale by the Scripps company in 1982 marked the beginning of a period of deep service and staff cutbacks. Subsequent owners, including Mexican magnate Mario Vázquez Raña and Saudi investors, struggled to restore profitability, leading to further downsizing and a shrinking traditional media customer base.^[8]^[9]

Strategic Shifts

In an effort to survive, UPI shifted its focus towards niche markets, emphasizing technical and diplomatic specialties rather than general news. This included selling its broadcast client list to the Associated Press in 1999 and concentrating on internet-based delivery of newsletter services. In 2000, News World Communications, founded by Sun Myung Moon, acquired UPI, leading to further restructuring and staff reductions, including the closure of its White House and UN bureaus.^[10]^[11]

Transitions in Ownership

From Scripps to New Ownership

The E.W. Scripps Company, which had managed UPI for decades, began divesting its interest in the early 1980s due to sustained financial losses. After failed attempts to find industry partners or sell to Reuters, Scripps transferred UPI to Douglas Ruhe and William Geissler for a nominal sum of $1, injecting $5 million to cover immediate operational costs.^[27] This transition proved challenging, marked by contract cancellations and financial instability.

A Series of Changes

UPI's ownership continued to change hands:

In 1988, it was sold to Infotechnology, Inc.
Following Infotechnology's bankruptcy, a group of Saudi investors, ARA Group International (AGI), acquired UPI in 1992.
In 2000, News World Communications, a media conglomerate associated with the Unification Church, purchased UPI.

Each transition brought further restructuring, staff reductions, and a redefinition of UPI's market focus.^[27]^[11]

Recognizing Excellence: UPI Sports Awards

Honoring Athletic Achievement

United Press International conferred annual sports awards recognizing outstanding achievements in various athletic disciplines until 1996. These awards celebrated top athletes, coaches, and players across major sports, contributing to the recognition of sporting excellence during their tenure.

UPI Athlete of the Year
UPI College Basketball Coach of the Year
UPI College Basketball Player of the Year
UPI College Football Player of the Year
UPI College Lineman of the Year
UPI NFC Player of the Year
UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Year
UPI NFL Rookie of the Year
UPI NFL Player of the Year

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References

British broadcasting, radio and television in the United Kingdom - Page 157, by Burton Paulu - 1956 -

Deadline every minute: the story of the United Press , by Joe Alex Morris Editions Greenwood Press, 1968

A full list of references for this article are available at the United Press International Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. The information provided is not a substitute for professional consultation or verification from primary sources.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional journalistic, historical, or media consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

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The Wire's Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

A Century of News: UPI's Genesis 📜

🏗️ Foundation and Early Years

🤝 The INS Merger

🌐 Global Reach and Influence

Comprehensive News Delivery 📰

✍️ Newswires and Text Services

📸 Photo and Newsfilm

🎙️ Audio and Broadcast

Pioneering Journalism Technology 💡

🔌 Early Adoptions

🚀 Advancing Media Formats

🏛️ Impact on Journalism

Navigating the Decline 📉

📺 Shifting Media Landscape

💸 Financial Struggles and Sales

refocus Strategic Shifts

Transitions in Ownership 🔄

📜 From Scripps to New Ownership

🔄 A Series of Changes

Recognizing Excellence: UPI Sports Awards 🏆

🏅 Honoring Athletic Achievement

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

A Century of News: UPI's Genesis

Foundation and Early Years

The INS Merger

Global Reach and Influence

Comprehensive News Delivery

Newswires and Text Services

Photo and Newsfilm

Audio and Broadcast

Pioneering Journalism Technology

Early Adoptions

Advancing Media Formats

Impact on Journalism

Navigating the Decline

Shifting Media Landscape

Financial Struggles and Sales

Strategic Shifts

Transitions in Ownership

From Scripps to New Ownership

A Series of Changes

Recognizing Excellence: UPI Sports Awards

Honoring Athletic Achievement

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice