Boston Globe

Boston Globe
Name	The Boston Globe
Type	Daily newspaper
Format	Broadsheet
Foundation	1872
Owners	Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC
Publisher	Linda Pizzuti Henry
Editor	Nancy Barnes
Headquarters	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.

Boston Globe. Founded in 1872 by six Boston businessmen including Eben Jordan, it has grown into a major daily newspaper and a defining institution of New England. Owned since 1993 by The New York Times Company before being sold in 2013 to John W. Henry, principal owner of the Boston Red Sox, it is renowned for its investigative journalism and comprehensive coverage of regional, national, and international affairs. The publication has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes, cementing its reputation as a leading voice in American media.

History

The newspaper was established in 1872 by a group of local merchants, with Charles H. Taylor serving as its first publisher and guiding its early commercial success. A significant early milestone was its pivotal coverage of the Great Boston Fire of 1872. Under the long stewardship of the Taylor family, it expanded its reach and influence throughout the 20th century, notably through its fierce competition with the Boston Herald. A major turning point was its 1993 acquisition by The New York Times Company, which provided financial stability but also led to tensions over corporate oversight. In 2013, the paper was purchased by John W. Henry, owner of Fenway Sports Group, returning it to local ownership amidst a tumultuous period for the newspaper industry.

Content and sections

The publication is organized into several core sections, including Metro for coverage of Boston City Hall, the Massachusetts State House, and regional issues across New England. The Sports section provides extensive reporting on teams like the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Bruins. Its Opinion pages feature commentary from columnists and contributors, while the Living/Arts section covers culture, dining, and entertainment, including reviews of performances at the Boston Symphony Orchestra and exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Special investigative projects and long-form journalism are hallmarks of its newsroom.

Ownership and operations

Since 2013, the newspaper has been owned by Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC, controlled by John W. Henry. The current publisher is Linda Pizzuti Henry, and the editorial leadership is under editor Nancy Barnes. Its primary printing facility is located in Taunton, Massachusetts, following the 2017 sale of its iconic headquarters on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester. The organization operates several affiliated properties, including the website Boston.com and the weekly publication The Boston Globe Magazine. Its business operations have focused on adapting to the digital era while maintaining its print edition.

Awards and recognition

The newspaper has been honored with 26 Pulitzer Prizes across various categories. It received acclaim for its 1975 investigation of school desegregation in Boston, which led to the landmark ruling in Morgan v. Hennigan. The Spotlight Team earned the 2003 Pulitzer for Public Service for exposing the clergy sexual abuse scandal within the Archdiocese of Boston, a story later dramatized in the film Spotlight. Other awards include the 2007 Pulitzer for Explanatory Reporting for its coverage of stem cell research and the 2014 Pulitzer for Breaking News for its reporting on the Boston Marathon bombing.

Digital presence and innovation

Its digital strategy is centered on BostonGlobe.com, a subscription-based website launched in 2011, distinct from the free-access Boston.com. The organization was an early adopter of a digital paywall, a model influenced by The New York Times. It has invested in digital storytelling, interactive graphics, and podcasting, including the popular Gladiator: Aaron Hernandez and Football Inc. series. The newsroom utilizes data journalism and multimedia to enhance coverage of major events like elections and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts.

Controversies and criticism

The publication has faced several significant controversies. In 1998, columnist Patricia Smith and later Mike Barnicle resigned amid scandals involving fabricated columns. Its 2004 coverage of the Democratic National Convention was criticized for appearing in a sponsored supplement. The paper's editorial stance and coverage have sometimes drawn ire from both political spectrums, including from figures like former President Donald Trump. Internally, it has faced challenges regarding newsroom diversity and labor relations, including negotiations with the Boston Newspaper Guild.

Category:Newspapers published in Boston Category:1872 establishments in Massachusetts