140th Anniversary

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Technology changed how newspapers and other media covered stories by providing more tools to engage readers, but also presented challenges of learning new skills.

Gazette photojournalists have had a front-row seat to history — whether that was Pope John Paul’s 1979 visit to Iowa, or then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama announcing his presidential candidacy for the 2008 election, the Flood of 2008 and the 2020 derecho.

While many features of 21st century journalism would be unrecognizable to publishers more than a century ago, many of its tenets and objectives remain the same: to tell the truth, inform readers, connect communities, and enrich lives – while holding leaders and officials accountable and providing a public forum for questions, criticism, and compromise.

Investigation led to indictments, but most tossed because of editor’s tactics

Journalists show up, listen to different viewpoints and verify information to tell stories of the communities they serve.

While research suggests the global attention span is narrowing due to the amount of information that is presented to the public, people still are interested in a good story.

First edition published Jan. 10, 1883

A press that investigates and criticizes government without interference is essential

Gazette’s 140th anniversary prompts reflection of how local news operations benefit communities

From a hand-fed press to a 386-ton behemoth, the machines put words on paper for 140 years.