Montreal Gazette

Montreal Gazette. It is the oldest daily newspaper still in publication in Canada and the only English-language daily printed in Montreal. Founded in the 18th century, it has chronicled pivotal events from the American Revolutionary War to modern Quebec politics. Owned by Postmedia Network, it serves as a primary source of news for the city's anglophone community and beyond, maintaining a significant digital presence.

History

The newspaper was established in 1778 by printer Fleury Mesplet, shortly after his arrival in the city following the American Invasion of Quebec (1775–76). Initially published in French as the Gazette du commerce et littéraire, it was shut down by authorities but revived in 1785 as the bilingual The Montreal Gazette / La Gazette de Montréal. It played a role in the political debates leading to the Constitutional Act 1791. Throughout the 19th century, it reported on events like the Rebellions of 1837–1838 and the Confederation of Canada. In the 20th century, it covered both World Wars, the October Crisis, and the rise of the Parti Québécois. The paper was acquired by Southam Inc. in 1968, later becoming part of the Hollinger International empire under Conrad Black, before its current ownership by Postmedia Network.

Content and coverage

The publication provides comprehensive coverage of local news in Montreal and regional affairs across Quebec, with a focus on municipal politics at Montreal City Hall and the National Assembly of Quebec. It features extensive reporting on business and finance, particularly within sectors like aerospace and pharmaceuticals, and maintains a strong sports section covering teams like the Montreal Canadiens and CF Montréal. Cultural coverage includes the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Just for Laughs festival, and reviews of performances at the Place des Arts. Its editorial page and opinion columns frequently engage with issues of Canadian federalism, language politics, and community affairs.

Ownership and operations

Since 2015, the newspaper has been owned by Postmedia Network, one of Canada's largest media conglomerates. Its operations are integrated within the Postmedia chain, sharing resources with other properties like the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen. The paper's headquarters are located in Montreal, and it operates under the broader corporate structure of Postmedia Network Inc., which is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Like many traditional newspapers, it has faced significant financial challenges, leading to staff reductions and operational consolidations within the Postmedia network over recent decades.

Notable contributors

Over its long history, the publication has employed many distinguished journalists and writers. Notable editors have included John Dougall and Norman Webster. Among its acclaimed columnists and reporters are William Henry Atherton, a prolific historian of the city, and Sheila Arnopoulos, who won a National Newspaper Award for her work. Political cartoonist Terry Mosher, who works under the pen name Aislin, has been a defining visual voice for the paper for decades. Other award-winning contributors include journalists such as Jeff Heinrich and Rene Bruemmer.

Digital presence and archives

The newspaper maintains a robust online platform at montrealgazette.com, offering daily news, multimedia content, and digital subscriptions. Its digital strategy includes active engagement on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. A significant historical resource is its fully searchable digital archive, which provides access to issues dating back to its 18th-century origins. This archive is an invaluable tool for researchers studying periods like the War of 1812, the Great Depression, or the Quiet Revolution. The digital operations are central to its modern identity amidst the evolving media landscape.

Category:Newspapers published in Montreal Category:Postmedia Network Category:Publications established in 1778