History of USA Today in Timeline

USA Today is a daily American newspaper and news broadcasting company founded in 1980 by Al Neuharth, launching in 1982. Operating from New York City, its newspaper is printed across the US and internationally. USA Today influenced newspaper design globally through its use of concise reports, colorized images, informational graphics, and its inclusion of popular culture stories.

1953: Launch of Family Weekly

In 1953, USA Weekend was launched as Family Weekly, a national Sunday magazine supplement intended for the Sunday editions of U.S. newspapers.

February 29, 1980: USA Today Conceived

On February 29, 1980, USA Today was first conceived when a company task force met with Al Neuharth in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

1980: USA Today Founded

In 1980, Al Neuharth founded USA Today, an American daily middle-market newspaper and news broadcasting company.

June 11, 1981: Prototypes Printed

On June 11, 1981, Gannett printed the first prototypes of the proposed USA Today publication. The designs were then mailed to newsmakers and journalists for feedback.

December 5, 1981: Launch Approved

On December 5, 1981, Gannett's board of directors approved the launch of the national newspaper, USA Today, and appointed Al Neuharth as president and publisher.

April 20, 1982: Launch Announced

On April 20, 1982, Gannett announced the launch of USA Today.

September 14, 1982: USA Today Launched

On September 14, 1982, USA Today was launched by Al Neuharth. The newspaper operates from USA Today Co.'s corporate headquarters in New York City.

July 2, 1984: Transition to Full-Color Photography

On July 2, 1984, USA Today transitioned from predominantly black-and-white to full-color photography and graphics in all four sections of the newspaper.

1984: USA Today Does Not Endorse Presidential Candidates

Beginning with the 1984 United States presidential election, USA Today adopted a policy of not endorsing candidates for the President of the United States or any other state or federal political office.

April 8, 1985: First Special Bonus Section Published

On April 8, 1985, USA Today published its first special bonus section, a 12-page section called "Baseball '85", previewing the 1985 Major League Baseball season.

1985: Second-Largest Newspaper

By the fourth quarter of 1985, USA Today had become the second-largest newspaper in the United States, reaching a daily circulation of 1.4 million copies.

1985: Gannett purchases Family Weekly and renames it USA Weekend

In 1985, Gannett purchased Family Weekly and renamed it USA Weekend.

May 6, 1986: International Edition Production in Switzerland

On May 6, 1986, USA Today began production of its international edition in Switzerland.

1986: George Rorick Leaves USA Today

In 1986, staff designer George Rorick left USA Today for a similar position at The Detroit News.

May 1987: First Profit

According to figures released by Gannett in July 1987, USA Today began turning its first profit in May 1987, six months ahead of Gannett's corporate revenue projections.

July 1987: Gannett Releases Profit Figures

In July 1987, Gannett released figures revealing that USA Today had begun turning its first profit in May 1987, six months ahead of projections.

1987: Development of USA Today: The Television Show begins

In 1987, Gannett and Grant Tinker began developing USA Today: The Television Show.

January 29, 1988: Largest Edition Published

On January 29, 1988, USA Today published its largest edition in its history, a 78-page weekend edition featuring a section previewing Super Bowl XXII.

August 1988: International Edition Records

During August 1988, the international edition of USA Today set circulation and advertising records with coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics, selling more than 60,000 copies and 100 pages of advertising.

September 12, 1988: Premiere of USA Today: The Television Show

On September 12, 1988, USA Today: The Television Show premiered.

January 1989: Super Bowl Ad Meter Started

In January 1989, USA Today started its survey of television commercials during the Super Bowl, known as the Super Bowl Ad Meter.

February 1989: WCBS-TV cancels USA Today: The Television Show

In February 1989, WCBS-TV canceled USA Today: The Television Show.

November 1989: USA Today: The Television Show cancelled mid-season

In November 1989, the TV version of USA Today was cancelled mid-season.

January 7, 1990: Final edition of USA Today: The Television Show aired

On January 7, 1990, the final edition of USA Today: The Television Show aired.

January 19, 1991: Saturday Extra Edition Published

On January 19, 1991, USA Today released a Saturday "Extra" edition updating coverage of the Gulf War from the previous day.

April 5, 1991: USA Today Baseball Weekly Debuts

On April 5, 1991, USA Today Baseball Weekly, a tabloid-sized publication, debuted and was published weekly on Wednesdays during the baseball season and bi-weekly during the off-season.

July 1991: Peak Daily Readership

By July 1991, USA Today had a total daily readership of nearly 6.6 million, the largest readership of any daily newspaper in the United States.

September 1, 1991: Fourth Print Site for International Edition

On September 1, 1991, USA Today launched a fourth print site for its international edition in London for the United Kingdom and the British Isles.

April 1, 1994: International Edition Schedule Change

As of April 1, 1994, USA Today changed the schedule of its international edition to Monday through Friday, rather than from Tuesday through Saturday, to accommodate business travelers.

October 28, 1994: National Sales Chart Debuts

On October 28, 1994, USA Today's Life section debuted a national sales chart for books.

February 1, 1995: First Editorial Bureau Outside the U.S.

On February 1, 1995, USA Today opened its first editorial bureau outside the United States at its Hong Kong publishing facility.

April 17, 1995: Website Launched

On April 17, 1995, USA Today launched its website to provide real-time news coverage.

August 28, 1995: Fifth International Publishing Site

On August 28, 1995, a fifth international publishing site was launched in Frankfurt, Germany, to print and distribute the international edition throughout most of Europe.

July 19, 1996: Special Editions for 1996 Summer Olympics

On July 19, 1996, USA Today published special seven-day-a-week editions for exclusive distribution in the host city of Atlanta and surrounding areas for the two-week duration of the 1996 Summer Olympics.

1996: Additional Editorial Bureaus Launched

In 1996, USA Today launched additional editorial bureaus in London and Moscow.

1997: Ten Years of Profitability

As of 1997, USA Today had been profitable for ten years, marking a significant shift in the newspaper's financial performance and industry impact.

March 1998: Friday Life Section Split

Since March 1998, the Friday edition of USA Today's Life section has been split into two sections: the regular Life section (Weekend; section E), and a travel supplement called Destinations & Diversions (section D).

October 4, 1999: Front Page Advertisements

On October 4, 1999, USA Today began running advertisements on its front page for the first time.

1999: Brian Gallagher Becomes Editorial Page Editor

Brian Gallagher began his role as editorial page editor at USA Today in 1999 and served until 2002.

1999: David Callaway hired as lead editor of MarketWatch

In July 2012, USA Today hired David Callaway who had been hired as lead editor of MarketWatch in 1999, two years after Kramer founded that website.

1999: Air Quality Indexes Added to Forecasts

Prior to 1999, USA Today featured four-day forecasts for 16 major U.S. cities. In 1999, they were expanded to 36 major U.S. cities with individual cities color-coded by the temperature contour corresponding to the given area on the forecast map, and air quality indexes were added.

February 8, 2000: USA Today Live Launched

On February 8, 2000, Gannett launched USA Today Live, a broadcast and Internet initiative to provide coverage from the newspaper to broadcast television stations nationwide and integrate with the USA Today website.

April 2000: Gulliver Typeface Implemented

In April 2000, the Gulliver typeface was implemented for story headers in USA Today, before being replaced in 2011.

May 15, 2000: Sixth International Printing Site

On May 15, 2000, USA Today launched a sixth printing site for its international edition in Milan, Italy.

2001: Interactive Units Launched

In 2001, USA Today and Gannett Newspapers launched the USA Today Careers Network (now Careers.com) on June 19, and the USA Today News Center was launched on July 18 as an interactive television news service.

January 2002: The Weather Channel Provides Weather Data

From January 2002 to September 2012, The Weather Channel provided weather data for USA Today.

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June 2002: Travel Section Added to Website

In June 2002, the USA Today website expanded to include a section providing travel information and booking tools.

September 4, 2002: USA Today Baseball Weekly expands coverage and adopts general title

On September 4, 2002, USA Today Baseball Weekly expanded its sports coverage, adopting a general title after adding stories about the NFL.

2002: Brian Gallagher's Term Ends as Editorial Page Editor

Brian Gallagher's first term as editorial page editor at USA Today ended in 2002.

2004: Brian Gallagher Reappointed as Editorial Page Editor

Brian Gallagher was reappointed as editorial page editor at USA Today in 2004.

2004: Gannett plans a TV program titled Sports Page

In 2004, Gannett announced plans to develop a USA Today-branded weekly half-hour television program titled Sports Page as part of a renewed initiative to extend the brand into television, but this program never launched.

2004: Jack Kelley Resignation

In 2004, Jack Kelley, a senior foreign correspondent for USA Today, resigned after being found to have fabricated foreign news reports.

December 12, 2005: Newsroom Operations Combined

On December 12, 2005, Gannett announced that it would combine the separate newsroom operations of the online and print entities of USA Today.

2005: Editorial operations of Sports Weekly integrated into USA Today's sports department

In late 2005, the editorial operations of Sports Weekly were integrated into the newspaper's sports department.

February 15, 2006: Sports Weekly adds coverage of NASCAR

On February 15, 2006, Sports Weekly added coverage of NASCAR.

February 2006: The Big Lead sports blog launched

In February 2006, The Big Lead, a sports blog, was launched by Fantasy Sports Ventures.

August 8, 2007: Sports Weekly adds coverage of NCAA college football

On August 8, 2007, Sports Weekly added coverage of NCAA college football.

March 7, 2008: Open Air Magazine Supplement Launched

On March 7, 2008, USA Today launched a magazine supplement called Open Air, which appears several times a year.

April 2008: The Big Lead establishes content partnership with Gannett

In April 2008, The Big Lead established a strategic content and marketing partnership with Gannett.

2008: Mention of John McCain's 2008 presidential candidacy

In 2016, USA Today mentioned Republican presidential candidate and Vietnam War veteran John McCain, who was a candidate in 2008.

2009: David Hunke was publisher of the newspaper.

In May 2012, Larry Kramer replaced David Hunke, who had been publisher of USA Today, since 2009.

August 27, 2010: Newsroom Reorganization

On August 27, 2010, USA Today announced a reorganization of its newsroom, including layoffs and a shift in focus towards digital platforms and the launch of USA Today Sports.

December 2010: USA Today API Launched

In December 2010, USA Today launched the USA Today API for sharing data with partners of all types.

January 24, 2011: Format Tweaked

On January 24, 2011, USA Today introduced a tweaked format to reverse a revenue slide, which modified the appearance of its front section pages, including a larger logo and a new sans-serif font called Prelo.

January 2012: Gannett purchases The Big Lead

In January 2012, Gannett purchased The Big Lead.

May 2012: Larry Kramer appointed president and publisher of USA Today

In May 2012, Larry Kramer was appointed president and publisher of USA Today, replacing David Hunke.

July 2012: David Callaway hired as editor-in-chief of USA Today

In July 2012, David Callaway was hired as the editor-in-chief of USA Today.

September 14, 2012: Major Redesign

On September 14, 2012, USA Today underwent the first major redesign in its history, in commemoration for the 30th anniversary of the paper's first edition.

September 2012: AccuWeather Resumes Providing Weather Data

In September 2012, AccuWeather resumed providing weather data for USA Today after The Weather Channel's contract ended.

2012: Gannett Digital Wins Multiple Mobile Awards

In 2012, Gannett Digital's mobile content strategy was recognized with multiple awards, including the Eppy for Best Mobile Application, the Mobile Excellence award for Best User Experience, the MOBI award for Editorial Content, and Mobile Publisher of the Year.

2012: USA Today rated as 'moderate' by Boston University Library

In 2012, USA Today was the only one of 42 prominent American daily newspapers rated as "moderate" by the Boston University Library, based on their editorial endorsements in the 2012 presidential election.

2012: USA Today calls for stronger gun laws

In 2012, after its 30th anniversary revamp, USA Today took a more active stance on political issues, calling for stronger gun laws after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

2012: Mobile Website Usage

Nearing the end of 2012, more than one-third of USA Today's readership was browsing only using their mobile phones, and the majority of these users were accessing the mobile website.

2012: USA Today Color Scheme Incorporated into Broadcast Graphics

Starting in late 2012, Gannett incorporated the USA Today color scheme into a standardized broadcast graphics package that was phased in across its television station group.

2012: Stock Tables Discontinued

With the 2012 redesign of USA Today, stock tables for individual stock exchanges and mutual indexes were discontinued due to the prevalence of electronic methods for checking stock prices.

April 2013: For the Win sports website launched

In April 2013, USA Today launched For the Win, a sports website devoted to social news.

October 6, 2013: Gannett Test Launches Condensed USA Today Edition

On October 6, 2013, Gannett initiated a test launch of a condensed daily USA Today edition as an insert in four of its newspapers: The Indianapolis Star, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, The News-Press (Fort Myers), and The Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wisconsin).

October 2013: Tom Renner Award

In October 2013, Brad Heath's series Locked Up won the Investigative Reporters and Editors Tom Renner Award.

October 2013: USA Today Regains Top Circulation

In October 2013, USA Today regained its position as the highest-circulated weekday newspaper in the United States.

2013: USA Today criticizes Republican Party and Barack Obama

In 2013, USA Today heavily criticized the Republican Party for the 2013 government shutdown. It also called out then-President Barack Obama and other top members of the Democratic Party for what it perceived as "inaction" during 2013–14, particularly over the NSA scandal and the ISIL beheading incidents.

2013: USA Today Site Design Launch

Throughout 2013, the USA Today site design was launched on desktop, mobile and TV.

January 4, 2014: USA Today Acquires Reviewed Website

On January 4, 2014, USA Today acquired Reviewed, a consumer product review website.

April 2014: Gannett Expands Condensed USA Today Edition

In April 2014, Gannett formally launched the condensed daily edition of USA Today in 31 additional local newspapers nationwide, following positive feedback from readers and advertisers during the initial test launch.

September 3, 2014: USA Today Announces Layoffs

On September 3, 2014, USA Today announced that it would lay off approximately 70 employees as part of a restructuring of its newsroom and business operations.

October 2014: USA Today Partners with OpenWager Inc. to Release Bingo Mobile App

In October 2014, USA Today and OpenWager Inc. partnered to release a Bingo mobile app called USA Today Bingo Cruise.

December 5, 2014: Gannett announces the end of USA Weekend

On December 5, 2014, Gannett announced the end of USA Weekend after the December 26–28, 2014 edition, citing increasing operational costs and reduced advertising revenue.

2014: USA Today Site Design Launch Continues

Throughout 2014, the USA Today site design launch continued on desktop, mobile and TV, although archive content remained available through the pre-relaunch design.

July 2015: Tegna Spun off from Gannett

In July 2015, Gannett's television station group was spun off into Tegna, a separate broadcast and digital media company.

December 3, 2015: Gannett Launches USA Today Network

On December 3, 2015, Gannett formally launched the USA Today Network, a national digital newsgathering service providing shared content between USA Today and the company's 92 local newspapers throughout the United States.

2015: Brian Gallagher Leaves Role as Editorial Page Editor

In 2015, Brian Gallagher stepped down from his position as editorial page editor at USA Today, a role he had held since its founding.

2015: USA Today criticizes Republican Party for revolts

In 2015, USA Today heavily criticized the Republican Party for the 2015 revolts in the United States House of Representatives that ended with the resignation of John Boehner as House Speaker.

January 2016: Newspapers Identify as Part of USA Today Network

Starting in January 2016, Gannett's local newspaper properties, as well as those acquired through the merger with the Journal Media Group, began identifying themselves as part of the USA Today Network.

September 29, 2016: USA Today editorial board condemns Donald Trump

On September 29, 2016, USA Today's editorial board broke from its "non-endorsement" policy for the first time, publishing an op-ed piece condemning the candidacy of Republican nominee Donald Trump, calling him "unfit for the presidency" due to his inflammatory campaign rhetoric.

October 20, 2016: VRtually There Debuts

On October 20, 2016, VRtually There, a weekly virtual reality news program produced by the USA Today Network, debuted.

2016: Gravity Ad Wins Award

In 2016, the Gravity ad on USA Today's website won Digiday's Best Publishing Innovation in Advertising.

August 1, 2017: Last story uploaded for VRtually There

On August 1, 2017, the last story was uploaded for VRtually There.

2017: Auto-Play Video on Website

In 2017, some pages of USA Today's website featured Auto-Play functionality for video or audio-aided stories.

February 2018: USA Today publishes op-ed by Jerome Corsi

In February 2018, USA Today published an op-ed by Jerome Corsi, the DC bureau chief for the fringe conspiracy website InfoWars.

October 2018: USA Today criticized for publishing inaccurate editorial by President Trump

In October 2018, USA Today was criticized by NBC News for publishing an editorial by President Trump that was replete with inaccuracies.

2018: Launch of USA Today-branded over-the-top channels

In 2018, Gannett launched USA Today-branded over-the-top channels, USA Today News and USA Today SportsWire.

2020: USA Today endorses Joe Biden for president

In 2020, USA Today endorsed a presidential candidate for the first time, Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

May 2021: USA Today Introduces Paywall

In May 2021, USA Today implemented a paywall for some of its online stories.

2021: Relaunch of USA Today-branded channels as FAST channels

In 2021, USA Today News and USA Today SportsWire were relaunched as free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels.

June 16, 2022: USA Today Removes Articles and Journalist Resigns

On June 16, 2022, USA Today removed 23 articles by journalist Gabriela Miranda after an internal investigation found that she fabricated sources. Miranda subsequently resigned.