The Boston Herald

The Boston Herald. It is a daily newspaper headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, and has served the Greater Boston area since its founding in the mid-19th century. Owned by Herald Media, Inc., it is known for its tabloid format, conservative editorial perspective, and focus on local news, sports, and investigative reporting. The publication has undergone numerous ownership changes and format shifts throughout its long history, establishing itself as a distinctive voice in the competitive New England media landscape.

History

The newspaper traces its origins to 1846, when it was established as a single-edition paper by a group of Boston printers. A significant early merger occurred in 1912 when it was purchased by William Randolph Hearst and absorbed into his media empire, merging with his existing publication, the Boston American. For much of the 20th century, it operated as an illustrated tabloid under the Hearst Corporation, competing directly with the more established The Boston Globe. In 1982, the paper was purchased by media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his News Corporation, who shifted its format to a broadsheet and invested heavily in its expansion. Following Murdoch's sale in 1994 to Patrick J. Purcell, a former executive, the paper returned to a tabloid format and has since been owned by a succession of private equity firms and local investors, including its current owner, Herald Media, Inc., which acquired the assets out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018.

Content and operations

The publication is organized into several key sections, with a strong emphasis on metropolitan news, New England Patriots coverage, and Boston Red Sox reporting. Its investigative unit has broken numerous significant local stories, often focusing on corruption within Massachusetts State Police and the Boston City Hall. Regular features include extensive business coverage through its "Money" section, a lively sports commentary led by columnists like Steve Buckley, and the popular "Inside Track" gossip column. The newsroom operates from a headquarters in the Seaport District, having moved from its longtime home in the South End in 2017. Its digital operations include a subscription website, mobile applications, and active presence on platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Political stance and editorial page

The editorial page is consistently conservative, offering endorsements and commentary that often contrast with the liberal leanings of the region. It has historically supported Republican candidates in elections for Governor of Massachusetts and President of the United States, including Mitt Romney and Donald Trump. Notable conservative columnists, such as Howie Carr and former editor Joe Sciacca, anchor its opinion section, which frequently criticizes policies from Democratic figures like Elizabeth Warren and Ayanna Pressley. The paper's editorial board has also been a vocal advocate for law enforcement and has taken strong stances on issues like immigration reform and fiscal policy, aligning more with the New York Post than with its crosstown rival.

Circulation and readership

Once boasting a daily circulation exceeding 200,000 copies, its print readership has declined significantly in the 21st century, in line with industry-wide trends affecting publications like the Chicago Tribune and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Recent audited figures place its daily print circulation below 50,000, though it maintains a strong digital subscriber base through its Boston Herald website. Its primary audience is concentrated in the Greater Boston area, with particular strength in surrounding suburbs and among commuters. The paper has employed various strategies to bolster revenue, including hosting events like the Boston Herald Radio show and implementing a digital paywall, competing for audience attention in a market dominated by The Boston Globe and digital outlets like Boston.com.

Notable people

Many prominent journalists and public figures have been associated with the paper throughout its history. Legendary sportswriter and columnist Larry Claflin covered the Boston Celtics for decades, while investigative reporter Jules Crittenden won awards for his work. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Mike Barnicle was a longtime columnist before moving to The Boston Globe. In broadcasting, current Fox News anchor Bret Baier began his career as a political reporter there. Other notable alumni include gossip columnist and radio host Gayle Fee, former editor and Boston University professor Kenneth Chandler, and cartoonist and illustrator Jeff Danziger.

Category:Newspapers published in Boston, Massachusetts Category:1846 establishments in Massachusetts Category:Conservative media in the United States