History and Evolution of the Bangor Daily News - Maine's Leading Local Newspaper

History of the Bangor Daily News

The Bangor Daily News is the primary newspaper for the city of Bangor, Maine and the surrounding regions. First published in 1889, the Bangor Daily News has a long and storied history as one of Maine's leading sources of local news and information.

The paper was founded by Joseph R. Chaplin, Thomas J. Stewart, and Frederick D. Jordan as the first daily newspaper in Bangor. In the late 19th century, Bangor was a thriving lumber port and commercial center, and the founders saw the need for a daily publication to serve the growing city. The first issue of the Bangor Daily News was published on June 18, 1889 as an eight-page broadsheet sold for two cents per copy. Even in these early days, the paper established itself as an important civic platform and advocate for local concerns.

Early Growth & Challenges

In the early years of publication, the Bangor Daily News faced numerous challenges common to newspapers of the era. Operating costs were high and revenue unreliable, especially in the winter months when river traffic and commerce slowed in Bangor. However theDaily News benefitted from emerging technologies like the telegraph and railroad networks which allowed for timely reporting of regional, national and international news. This widened the paper's appeal and readership base.

Despite financial struggles, the Bangor Daily News invested heavily in printing equipment and personnel. By 1899, the paper occupied an entire six-story building equipped with 12 linotype machines, the most modern facility of its kind north of Boston. In the 1920s, the publication merged with the Bangor Publishing Company, owner of the Bangor Whig and Courier dating back to 1834. The newly consolidated Bangor Daily News company positioned itself for increased circulation and influence.

Radio, TV and Digital Eras

Over the succeeding decades, the Bangor Daily News adapted to serve readers' changing needs for news while facing disruptive technologies. This included the rise of radio broadcasting in the 1920s and 30s and television in the 1950s. Despite these competitive threats, the Daily News maintained its central role in providing in-depth local journalism. In 1955, the paper launched Maine's first UHF television station, WABI-TV5, signaling its expanding reach across media.

More recently, the Internet has transformed the newspaper industry. The Bangor Daily News began publishing online content in the 1990s and soon offered digital subscriptions. While print circulation has declined industrywide in the Internet age, theDaily News has sustained itself by enhancing its digital offerings. Today it publishes robust breaking news, investigative features, photo galleries, videos and other content on multiple online platforms.

Editorial Vision

Over its 130+ year history, the editorial vision of the Bangor Daily News has remained remarkably steady and true to its local roots. The paper considers itself "Maine's hometown paper" and strives to cover issues relevant to communities across the state. This local focus set it apart from other statewide publications.

The Bangor Daily News is known for its fiercely independent and progressive stance. In its early decades, the paper advocated for urban reform and development, improved public health and sanitation, and women's suffrage. It has consistently endorsed Democratic Party candidates beginning with Woodrow Wilson in 1916. The editorial page continues to promote liberal social causes and environmental protection.

Investigative Journalism

One hallmark of the Bangor Daily News is its dedication to investigative journalism and watchdog reporting in the public interest. Its journalists have uncovered municipal corruption, pollution violations, unsafe public infrastructure, and other issues impacting Mainers' lives. The paper became a nonprofit publication in 2013 to allow greater editorial freedom to pursue such stories.

Major investigations by the Bangor Daily News have delved into opioid trafficking in Maine, mental health care failures, and sexual abuse by clergy. The newspaper has won national recognition for its bold reporting, including top honors from Investigative Reporters and Editors.

Focus on Solutions

While not shying away from hard news stories, the Bangor Daily News strives to maintain a solutions-oriented focus. The paper showcases community problem-solving efforts on issues like homelessness, substance abuse and sustainability. Its journalists aim to constructively inform public discourse rather than stoke controversy.

This solutions focus aligns with the paper's longstanding progressive values. The Bangor Daily News uses its platform not just to expose problems, but to advocate for social, economic and environmental progress across Maine.

Operational History & Ownership

Over its history, the Bangor Daily News has been led by generations of newspapermen who shepherded the paper through periods of immense challenge and change. These figures shaped the Daily News into one of Maine's most respected and enduring news institutions.

Leadership Through the Years

James B. Thayer served as president and publisher from 1894 to 1926 and oversaw the paper's merger with the Bangor Whig and Courier. His successor, O.H. Tripp, remained with the Daily News for 52 years as it expanded into radio and television. Richard J. Warren published the paper from 1974 to 1985 and transitioned operations to new offset printing presses.

Current BDN President and CEO Richard J. Connor purchased the paper in 2008 and helped navigate the digital transformation of local journalism. The nonprofit Bernard Osher Foundation acquired the Bangor Daily News in 2013 and continues supporting its public interest mission.

Photojournalism

Photography has been an important part of the Bangor Daily News since the early 20th century. Early news photos provided rare glimpses of life and events in rural Maine communities. Today BDN photojournalists capture breaking news and features across the state with award-winning visual storytelling.

Historic darkrooms have made way for digital imaging technologies. But the Daily News' commitment to compelling news photography remains unchanged. Standout news images now also appear on BDN's website and social media platforms.

Readership & Coverage

The Bangor Daily News continues to serve as the leading source of information for communities across Central, Eastern and Northern Maine. It reaches readers in every county of Maine with a particular concentration in the greater Bangor metro region.

Print & Digital

Average daily print circulation stands around 33,000 copies. But total daily readership including digital editions exceeds 100,000. Online traffic averages over 2.5 million monthly visits as readers turn increasingly to BDN's website and mobile apps.

In print and online, the Daily News provides a comprehensive mix of local news, sports, business, opinion and lifestyle content. Signature features include investigative projects, photo essays and reader-generated content. News bureaus in Augusta and Hancock County ensure complete state coverage.

Community Engagement

The Bangor Daily News sponsors popular community events that connect it to readers on a personal level. These include charity road races, high school sports awards, concerts, summer festivals and more. A dedicated Community News team publishes stories from around Maine submitted by readers. These efforts strengthen the Daily News' relationships across its broad readership base.

After 130 years, the Bangor Daily News remains woven into the social fabric of hundreds of Maine towns and cities. It continues evolving with technology but stays grounded by its longstanding local news mission.

FAQs

When was the Bangor Daily News first published?

The Bangor Daily News released its first issue on June 18, 1889. It was founded by Joseph R. Chaplin, Thomas J. Stewart, and Frederick D. Jordan as the first daily newspaper in Bangor, Maine.

How has the Bangor Daily News adapted over time?

Over its 130+ year history, the paper has adapted to major technological changes like radio, TV, and the internet. It launched Maine's first UHF station in the 1950s. Today it has a major online and social media presence while still publishing a daily print edition.

Who owns the Bangor Daily News today?

The nonprofit Bernard Osher Foundation acquired the BDN in 2013. This allowed the paper to continue its public interest mission of investigative journalism and local news reporting in Maine.