History of The Detroit News in Timeline

The Detroit News is a major daily newspaper in Detroit, Michigan, co-owned by USA Today Co. alongside its historical rival, the Detroit Free Press. The two newspapers operated under a joint operating agreement from 1989 until 2025.

1917: Building erected

In 1917, The Detroit News building was erected, designed by Albert Kahn.

February 1, 1919: Absorbed Detroit Tribune

On February 1, 1919, The Detroit News absorbed the Detroit Tribune.

August 20, 1920: Began broadcasting

On August 20, 1920, The Detroit News began broadcasting on station 8MK, which is now WWJ.

1920: Cadillac Showroom built

The Albert Kahn-designed former Cadillac showroom at 6001 Cass Avenue which became the home to the Detroit News in December 2024, was built in 1920.

July 21, 1922: Absorbed Detroit Journal

On July 21, 1922, The Detroit News absorbed the Detroit Journal.

1931: Bought Pitcairn PCA-2 auto-gyro

In 1931, The Detroit News bought a Pitcairn PCA-2 auto-gyro as a camera aircraft.

1935: Purchased Lockheed Model 9 Orion

In 1935, The Detroit News purchased a Lockheed Model 9 Orion, modified as a news camera plane.

1947: Established Michigan's first television station

In 1947, The Detroit News established Michigan's first television station, WWJ-TV, now WDIV-TV.

1958: Self-described

In 1958, The Detroit News described itself as consistently conservative on economic issues and consistently liberal on civil liberties issues.

November 7, 1960: Bought Detroit Times

On November 7, 1960, The Detroit News bought and closed the Detroit Times, but retained the building.

1967: Arches bricked-in

Following the 12th Street Riot in 1967, the arches along the east and south sides of The Detroit News building were bricked-in for protection.

1975: New facility opened

In 1975, The Detroit News opened a new printing facility in Sterling Heights and stopped using the Times building.

1978: Times building demolished

In 1978, The Detroit News demolished the Times building.

1985: Merged with Gannett

In 1985, the Evening News Association, owner of The Detroit News, merged with Gannett.

1989: Joint operating agreement

In 1989, The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press entered into a joint operating agreement.

1992: Debut column

In 1992, Deb Price's debut column in The Detroit News was the first syndicated national column in American mainstream media about gay life.

July 13, 1995: Newspaper Guild employees went on strike

On July 13, 1995, Newspaper Guild employees of the Detroit Free Press and The News went on strike.

February 1997: Strike ended

In February 1997, the unions ended their strike against the Detroit Free Press and The News.

1998: Free Press moved

In 1998, the Free Press moved into The News building.

2004: No endorsement

In 2004, The Detroit News did not endorse George W. Bush for re-election.

August 3, 2005: Gannett announced sale

On August 3, 2005, Gannett announced it would sell The News to MediaNews Group and purchase the Free Press.

May 7, 2006: Joint weekend edition ended

Until May 7, 2006, The Detroit News and Free Press published a single joint weekend edition.

December 16, 2008: Plan to limit weekday home delivery announced

On December 16, 2008, Detroit Media Partnership announced a plan to limit weekday home delivery for both dailies to Thursday and Friday only.

March 30, 2009: Weekday home delivery limited

On March 30, 2009, the Detroit Media Partnership implemented the plan to limit weekday home delivery for both dailies to Thursday and Friday only.

February 2014: Offices move announced

In February 2014, the DMP announced its offices along with those of The News and the Free Press would move to the former Federal Reserve building.

2014: Named Michigan Journalist of the Year

In 2014, metro reporter Robert Snell was named Michigan Journalist of the Year.

2016: Endorsed Gary Johnson

In 2016, The Detroit News endorsed Libertarian Party nominee Gary Johnson rather than Republican nominee Donald Trump.

2018: Named Michigan Journalist of the Year

In 2018, metro reporter Robert Snell was named Michigan Journalist of the Year.

2020: No endorsement

In 2020, The Detroit News continued to withhold its endorsement from Trump and did not endorse a candidate.

2020: Named Michigan Journalist of the Year

In 2020, metro reporter Robert Snell was named Michigan Journalist of the Year.

December 2024: Moved to new building

In December 2024, The Detroit News moved to the former Cadillac showroom at 6001 Cass Avenue.

2024: No endorsement

In 2024, The Detroit News continued to withhold its endorsement from Trump and did not endorse a candidate.

January 2025: Sterling Heights plant to close

In January 2025, Gannett announced that the Sterling Heights plant that printed The News and Free Press would close after the production run August 3.