Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune
Type	Daily newspaper
Format	Broadsheet
Foundation	June 10, 1847
Owners	Tribune Publishing
Headquarters	Printer's Row, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago Tribune. The *Chicago Tribune* is a major daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois, and is the flagship publication of Tribune Publishing. Founded in 1847, it grew to become the dominant newspaper in the Midwest and a nationally influential voice, renowned for its investigative journalism and distinctive editorial page. Throughout its history, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Chicago and the nation, earning numerous accolades including multiple Pulitzer Prizes.

History

The newspaper was established on June 10, 1847, by James Kelly, John E. Wheeler, and Joseph K. C. Forrest, initially as a Whig-leaning publication. Its influence expanded significantly under the leadership of publisher Joseph Medill, who bought a controlling interest in 1855 and aligned it firmly with the nascent Republican Party; Medill was a key supporter of Abraham Lincoln and used its pages to advocate for abolition. Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed its building, the newspaper famously continued publication and later championed the city's reconstruction. In the 20th century, under the ownership of Robert R. McCormick (nephew of Medill), it became a fiercely isolationist and conservative institution, with its reach extended through the WGN radio and television stations. The McCormick Tribune Foundation and the construction of the iconic Tribune Tower, home to the newspaper for decades, cemented its physical and philanthropic presence. Major shifts occurred in the 21st century with its acquisition by Sam Zell's Tribune Company, a subsequent bankruptcy, and its eventual spin-off into the publicly traded Tribune Publishing.

Editorial stance and political positions

Historically a staunchly conservative voice, particularly during the long tenure of Robert R. McCormick, its editorial page advocated for American nationalism, limited government, and for decades, a non-interventionist foreign policy. The paper was famously critical of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal, and its "America First" stance led it to oppose U.S. entry into World War II until the attack on Pearl Harbor. In later decades, its editorial positions moderated but remained generally center-right, endorsing a mix of Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, including George H. W. Bush, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton. Its editorial board has been influential in Illinois and Chicago politics, often focusing on issues of government corruption, fiscal responsibility, and reform.

Notable contributors and staff

The newspaper has been home to many celebrated journalists and columnists. Mike Royko, its Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, defined Chicago's voice for decades with his acerbic wit. Investigative reporter George Bliss won a Pulitzer for exposing corruption, a tradition continued by teams that investigated Chicago Housing Authority failures. Literary figures like Nelson Algren and James T. Farrell contributed, while columnists such as Clarence Page and Mary Schmich have been widely syndicated. Notable editors have included Maxwell Anderson, Lee Hills, and Ann Marie Lipinski. Famed cartoonists include John T. McCutcheon and Jeff MacNelly, both Pulitzer winners.

Circulation and business operations

For much of the 20th century, it was one of the top-ten newspapers in the United States by circulation, competing directly with the Chicago Sun-Times. Its Sunday edition traditionally commanded the largest readership in the Midwest. The paper operates printing plants in Chicago and Schaumburg, and its parent, Tribune Publishing, also owns other major dailies like the New York Daily News and the Baltimore Sun. Like the entire industry, it has faced severe financial challenges from digital competition, leading to staff reductions, the sale of Tribune Tower, and a move to smaller offices in Printer's Row.

Awards and recognition

It has received numerous Pulitzer Prizes across categories. Notable wins include the 1932 Pulitzer for Public Service for exposing crime in Chicago, the 1963 Pulitzer for International Reporting for coverage of the formation of the European Common Market, and the 1973 Pulitzer for Investigative Reporting on vote fraud. Its editorial cartoonists, including John T. McCutcheon, Vaughn Shoemaker, and Jeff MacNelly, have won multiple Pulitzers. The paper's graphics and photography staff have also been consistently honored by organizations like the Society for News Design and the Pictures of the Year International competition.

Controversies and criticism

The newspaper has been embroiled in several significant controversies. Its most famous error was the 1948 front-page headline "Dewey Defeats Truman," incorrectly declaring Thomas E. Dewey the winner over Harry S. Truman in the presidential election. Its pre-war isolationist stance, which included publishing the Victory Program details (a potential breach of national security), drew fierce criticism. In 2008, a satirical item on the Oprah Winfrey show prompted a lawsuit from Harpo Productions. More recently, it faced backlash for a 2016 editorial titled "The Truth about Bruce Rauner's Term," which critics called misleading, and for management decisions during the Tribune Company bankruptcy that affected employee pensions.

Category:Newspapers published in Chicago Category:1847 establishments in Illinois Category:Tribune Publishing