April 4, 2014 (Friday )
Question: Which is the oldest newspaper in Texas?
Answer: The Galveston Daily News.
When did it begin publishing? In 1842, 172 years ago. That’s a long time.
The paper reports the truth. Yesterday’s news included this story:
HOUSTON — Former Houston Astros player Brandon Backe testified Tuesday in Houston’s federal court, about a mile from the team’s Opening Day celebration at Minute Maid Park. The visibly emotional pitcher recalled the end of his professional baseball career and claimed his retirement in 2009 was forced by a shoulder injury he suffered at the hands of Galveston police officers less than a year earlier.
Like most online newspapers, it now requires a subscription to read the whole story.
The Victoria Advocate began publishing in 1846, 168 years ago. It’s a great paper that also features a digital issue available by subscription. The Gonzales Inquirer got its start in 1853. The Austin American-Statesman in 1871. The Houston Chronicle in 1901.
Some people say that the printed media is on its way out, to be replaced completely some day with electronic media. Maybe they are right. But lots of folks all over the world get up every morning and read their paper while starting off the day with a great cup of coffee. I quit taking the paper because I don’t know how to throw stuff away. When the recycle service quit taking newspapers, I did too.
Earlier papers date from 1835, but did not endure to the present day. Click here to read an article about that.
Click here for Wikipedia’s list of the world’s oldest newspapers.