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The Gleaner
The Gleaner
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The Gleaner is an English-language, morning daily newspaper founded by two brothers, Jacob and Joshua de Cordova on 13 September 1834 in Kingston, Jamaica.[1]

Key Information

Originally called the Daily Gleaner, the name was changed on 7 December 1992 to The Gleaner. The newspaper is owned and published by Gleaner Company publishing house in Kingston, Jamaica.[2][3][4] The Gleaner is still considered a newspaper of record for Jamaica.[5][6]

History

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The Gleaner is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the Western Hemisphere—operating since 1834,[2] and it is still considered a newspaper of record for Jamaica in the 21st century.[6][5]

The morning broadsheet newspaper is presently published six days each week in Kingston. The Sunday paper edition is called the Sunday Gleaner. The Sunday edition was first published in 1939, and it reaches twice as many readers as the daily paper. The influence, particularly historically, of the newspaper is so large that "Gleaner" has become synonymous in Jamaica for "newspaper".[1]

The Gleaner contains regular sub-sections and features the following:

  • Western Focus providing for the needs of the people living in the five western parishes; this special edition carries news, features, and advertisements from those parishes.
  • The Flair Magazine is designed to address topics of concern to women.
  • The Financial Gleaner is for the business and financial community.
  • Youthlink is a magazine addressing educational and other issues of concerns to the youth and highlighting their achievements.

Overseas weekly editions of The Gleaner are published in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.[1] The Weekly Gleaner in the United Kingdom carries news of interest to the West Indians in United Kingdom. The paper offers coverage of important issues and events in both the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. The current Editor-in-Chief of The Gleaner is Kaymar Jordan.[7]

See also

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References

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from Grokipedia
The Gleaner is an English-language daily newspaper based in , recognized as the oldest continuously published newspaper in Jamaica and one of the oldest in the . Founded on 13 September 1834 by brothers Jacob and Joshua deCordova as a four-page weekly publication, it initially focused on literature, morality, the arts, science, and general intelligence, launching just weeks after the abolition of in the . Over the decades, The Gleaner evolved into a daily in 1897 and has since become a of Jamaican , chronicling the nation's political, social, and cultural developments. The newspaper played a pivotal role in advocating for democratic principles and public discourse, particularly during key historical moments such as Jamaica's path to in 1962. Today, it is published by the RJR Gleaner Communications Group, formed by the 2016 merger of The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited and RJR Communications Group, with shares traded on the Jamaica , and its at the intersection of North and East Streets in Kingston. The publication maintains a broad scope, covering national and international , , , , and lifestyle topics, while also producing digital editions, e-papers, and supplementary media through affiliated outlets like the radio station Power 106 FM. With a vast online archive dating back to 1834 containing over one million historical pages, The Gleaner serves as both a current affairs resource and a vital repository of Jamaica's cultural and historical record. Its commitment to independent has earned it a reputation as Jamaica's most trusted source, reaching audiences across the and the global diaspora.

History

Founding and early years

The Gleaner was founded on September 13, 1834, by brothers Jacob and Joshua deCordova in , at the height of British colonial rule and amid the anticipation of slavery's abolition following the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. The inaugural issue appeared as a four-page titled The Gleaner and Weekly Compendium of News, printed on Saturdays at 66 West Harbour Street and sold by subscription for 10 shillings per quarter in Kingston or 13 shillings and 4 pence in rural areas. Initially positioned as an advertising sheet and , it emphasized , , , sciences, and amusements, aiming to inform and entertain while promoting domestic virtues and avoiding partisan attacks on individuals. In December 1834, the publication was renamed The Gleaner: A Weekly Family Newspaper Devoted to Literature, Morality, the Arts and Sciences, and Amusements, reflecting its growing ambition as a family-oriented journal. By 1836, it merged with the deCordovas' own Advertising Sheet, expanding to a four-page format published daily except Sundays, which marked an early shift toward more frequent news dissemination in Jamaica's evolving post-emancipation landscape. This period coincided with full emancipation on August 1, 1838, and The Gleaner played a role in documenting colonial politics, social reforms, and the transition from slavery, including coverage of anti-slavery sentiments and the challenges of apprenticeship systems, though its editorial stance remained balanced to appeal to a broad readership amid tense racial and economic dynamics. Jacob deCordova, who served as the primary editor, exerted significant influence through his focus on moral and cultural content, while the family's involvement ensured continuity; Joshua managed operations after Jacob relocated to Texas in 1839. The newspaper's foundational growth occurred against Jamaica's turbulent colonial backdrop, including labor unrest and political debates over . Circulation expanded gradually, supported by semi-weekly country editions and fortnightly overseas dispatches, establishing The Gleaner as a key voice in Kingston's mercantile and intellectual circles. A major milestone came in 1883 with the launch of the first edition under the title The Daily Gleaner and deCordova's Advertising Sheet, formalizing its transition to a full daily publication and broadening its scope to include comprehensive local and international reporting. This evolution solidified the deCordova family's legacy, with subsequent generations maintaining editorial control into the late .

20th-century developments

In the early , The Gleaner solidified its institutional foundation by registering as a on June 10, 1897, transitioning from a family-owned enterprise to a broader corporate structure with initial directors including J.L. Ashenheim and Charles E. deMercado as chairman. This move enabled expanded operations while maintaining family influence. To address growing demand for weekend content amid rising literacy and urbanization in , the company launched the Sunday Gleaner in 1939, which quickly became its most widely read edition, offering in-depth features, family-oriented sections, and broader coverage that doubled the daily paper's reach. Diversification continued in the mid-century with the introduction of The Star in November 1951 as an evening tabloid, aimed at attracting a wider, more diverse audience through bold layouts, investigative reporting, snappy columns, and emphasis on entertainment, culture, and timely local news. Initially positioned as an accessible afternoon publication, it complemented The Gleaner's format by targeting working-class readers and urban youth, helping to broaden the company's . By 1964, reflecting financial maturity, The Gleaner's shares were listed on the at 12 shillings per five-shilling share, marking a key step in public investment and within Jamaica's growing capital markets. Operational advancements followed in 1969 with the relocation of headquarters to a modern five-storey facility at 7 North Street (spanning North and East Streets) in Kingston, encompassing 2.5 acres for printing and offices, which enhanced efficiency and capacity. This move coincided with the installation of a six-unit Crabtree rotary press, improving production quality and enabling higher print volumes to meet escalating demand. Throughout the era, The Gleaner established itself as Jamaica's through comprehensive coverage of pivotal events, including the nation's independence on August 6, 1962, with detailed reporting on ceremonies, political transitions, and national celebrations at the National Stadium, as well as social movements like labor strikes and cultural shifts. Family leadership ensured continuity, exemplified by Oliver Clarke's appointment as managing director in 1976 at age 32, where he spearheaded a turnaround amid economic challenges, later assuming the chairman role to guide strategic growth. Under his stewardship, the company navigated the decade's turbulence while upholding and journalistic standards.

Modern era and challenges

In 1992, The Gleaner underwent a significant , changing its name from the Daily Gleaner to The Gleaner on December 7 to better reflect its evolving role as a multifaceted media outlet beyond daily print. This shift aligned with broader adaptations in the late , including the expansion of overseas weekly editions targeted at communities in , the , and the , beginning with the Overseas Weekly Gleaner in 1951 and extending to North American editions. These publications, such as the North American edition, provide tailored content on homeland news, culture, and events to sustain connections for emigrants. Entering the , The Gleaner navigated profound industry challenges, including a marked decline in since 2009 amid Jamaica's economic pressures and the rise of . The country's recurring debt crises and low growth rates post-2000, exacerbated by global financial shocks, strained advertising revenues and operational costs for traditional newspapers like The Gleaner. In response, the publication intensified its digital pivot, with online traffic surging as readers shifted to sources for , prompting investments in web platforms to offset print losses. The appointment of Kaymar Jordan as on October 15, 2019, underscored a renewed emphasis on contemporary, agile to address these dynamics. Jordan's leadership focused on enhancing and audience engagement until her in 2022, after which Moya Thomas was appointed effective December 1, 2022, continuing these efforts in a competitive landscape. During the from 2020 onward, The Gleaner ramped up digital reporting on health crises, economic fallout, and government responses, leveraging online channels to reach wider audiences amid lockdowns and restricted print distribution. Ownership remains with Gleaner Company Media Limited (GCML), a subsidiary of the publicly traded RJRGLEANER Communications Group, which lists on the and prioritizes long-term viability through strategic mergers and cost-sharing initiatives. Recent efforts, such as the 2025 with the for joint print production and distribution, aim to bolster by reducing operational expenses in a shrinking print market while maintaining .

Operations and ownership

Corporate structure

The Gleaner Company Limited, founded in 1834 by brothers Joshua and Jacob deCordova as a weekly publication, was formally incorporated as a public limited company on June 10, 1897, marking its transition into a structured corporate entity focused on newspaper publishing. Today, it operates as The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited, a key subsidiary within the broader RJRGLEANER Communications Group, which is headed by the publicly traded parent company Radio Jamaica Limited and listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) since the group's original listing in 1964, when shares were quoted at 12 shillings per five-shilling share. The group maintains over 12,000 shareholders, encompassing ordinary Jamaicans, government entities, and private sector organizations, ensuring broad-based ownership and public accountability in its governance. Governance is overseen by a chaired by Joseph M. Matalon, CD, BSc (Econ.) (Hons), who assumed the role on May 1, 2019, following the retirement of long-serving chairman Oliver F. Clarke. The board, which includes executives such as CEO Anthony Smith and independent directors like Hon. Douglas Orane and Elizabeth Ann Jones, operates through specialized committees covering areas including , finance, audit, and digital business to guide strategic decisions and ensure compliance with JSE regulations. This structure emphasizes independent media operations while integrating print, broadcast, and digital arms under unified oversight. The company's headquarters are located at North and East Streets in Kingston, Jamaica, a 2.5-acre site purchased in 1969 that serves as the central hub for publishing operations; an earlier facility at 148–156 Harbour Street was used historically until a fire in 1882 and subsequent relocations. A Western Bureau maintains operations in Montego Bay to support regional coverage. Under the Gleaner Company umbrella, the group produces 15 print publications, including core titles such as The Gleaner, The Star, and Children's Own, alongside supplements and specialized editions. Financially, the structure relies on diversified revenue streams, with the RJRGLEANER Group reporting total revenues of J$5.31 billion for the ended March 31, 2025 (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025), primarily from (net of taxes), newspaper sales and subscriptions, airtime and program material, services, and equipment rentals. Print and related operations contributed J$2.17 billion, representing about 41% of group revenue, while the overall model balances traditional media with emerging digital and broadcast segments to mitigate sector challenges.

Editorial and production processes

The editorial team of The Gleaner is led by Moya Thomas, who oversees content direction and journalistic operations for the publication. Under her leadership, the team maintains a focus on producing an English-language published six days a week, from to , as a dedicated to comprehensive news coverage. The production workflow begins with editorial preparation at the company's headquarters in Kingston. Printing and distribution are managed through a with Jamaica Observer Limited, established in 2025, which coordinates shared logistics for print production and nationwide delivery to achieve cost savings and improved efficiency, while maintaining . Copies are distributed across via a network of home delivery agents, newsstands, and regional bureaus, such as the Western Bureau in , with limited international reach through air-mailed weekly editions to markets like and the . As 's longstanding , The Gleaner upholds quality standards centered on fact-based, impartial reporting that covers local, national, and international affairs, prioritizing accuracy and depth in its . The publication's staff undergo training programs to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines, which align with the established by the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), emphasizing fairness, transparency, and professional integrity in reporting. Recent estimates indicate daily print circulation of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 copies, reflecting a decline in physical sales that has been partially offset by robust growth in digital subscriptions and online readership.

Content and publications

Core newspaper format

The Gleaner is published as a broadsheet-format morning six days a week, from to , serving as the publication of its parent company. The Sunday Gleaner, introduced in 1939, functions as a larger that reaches more than twice the readership of the daily version, offering expanded content for family reading. This core format emphasizes comprehensive, in-depth reporting tailored to a broad Jamaican audience, including families and professionals seeking detailed insights into national affairs. The newspaper's structure features key sections such as Lead Stories for front-page national and international news, alongside dedicated areas for , Sports, Entertainment, and Classifieds. Additional sections include for general reporting, Commentary for editorials and analysis, Letters for reader submissions, and covering and cultural topics. These elements underscore a commitment to balanced coverage of Jamaican , , society, and culture, providing objective accounts of local developments while fostering public discourse through letters to the editor. Editorials offer analytical perspectives on current events, maintaining a formal and impartial tone to inform rather than sensationalize. Adhering to an editorial code of , The Gleaner employs formal English in its reporting, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and objectivity to present a faithful of Jamaican life. Submissions and content are edited for these standards, ensuring a professional style that supports in-depth analysis over brevity. The layout has evolved significantly since its origins as a four-page weekly in 1834, transitioning to a daily by the late and incorporating multi-section designs in the . A major advancement occurred in 1994 with the installation of a Goss Urbanite offset press, enabling full-color printing and higher production quality, which enhanced visual appeal and advertiser options by the early 2000s. This progression reflects adaptations to technological and reader demands, focusing on detailed, middle-class-oriented reporting for an audience valuing substantive national coverage.

Supplements and additional titles

The Gleaner Company publishes several supplements that enhance its core newspaper with specialized content targeting niche audiences. Flair Magazine, launched on October 16, 1984, as a weekly insert, focuses on , women's issues, , and profiles of influential figures, including annual features like "Flair 40" and "Women to Watch." The Financial Gleaner, introduced on November 7, 1986, provides in-depth business and financial news, analysis, and economic insights tailored for professionals and investors. Youthlink, a Tuesday supplement, delivers youth-oriented content such as career advice, , school news, and teen perspectives, produced by and for young Jamaicans to foster engagement on relevant topics. Western Focus, appearing every Saturday, highlights regional news, community stories, and developments in western Jamaica, covering areas like agriculture, environment, and local events to serve rural and regional readers. In addition to these supplements, the company produces secondary titles that broaden its reach. The Star, an evening tabloid launched in 1951, adopts a sensationalist style with concise news, entertainment, sports, and advice columns like "Tell Me Pastor" to appeal to a mass audience seeking accessible, lively content. The Voice, a weekly community newspaper acquired by the Gleaner Company in 2004 for full ownership through its UK subsidiary, targets the African-Caribbean in Britain with news on , , and social issues, building on its founding in 1982 as the leading black British publication. To connect with the Jamaican diaspora, the Gleaner offers overseas editions adapted for international readers. The Weekly Gleaner, established in 1951, and the Weekly Star provide weekly summaries of Jamaican news, sports, and commentary, distributed in the , , and the to maintain cultural ties for expatriates. These editions emphasize diaspora-relevant stories and are available in print and digital formats. Historically, supplements like the Sunday Magazine, added to the Sunday Gleaner in 1963, marked early expansions into weekend leisure reading with features on , , and . Overall, the Gleaner Company maintains a portfolio of 15 print products, including these supplements and titles, designed to address diverse demographics and interests while complementing the daily newspaper's broader coverage.

Digital and multimedia expansion

Online platforms

The Gleaner launched its primary platform, jamaica-gleaner.com, on February 16, 1997, initially offering free access to daily articles, opinion pieces, and basic elements to extend its reach beyond print subscribers. This digital shift allowed the newspaper to provide timely coverage, including sections on local , , and business, with early features like searchable archives drawing researchers and expatriates. In , The Gleaner introduced its e-paper service, a subscription-based digital replica of the print edition that mirrors the layout and content for reading. Accessible via the platform, the e-paper enables users to view full issues on desktops or mobile devices, preserving the tactile experience of the physical newspaper while facilitating global distribution. The platform's content strategy emphasizes real-time updates for , supplemented by photo galleries, video embeds, and podcasts covering topics from Jamaican to international affairs. User engagement is enhanced through comment sections on articles, allowing readers to contribute perspectives and foster discussions. For historical depth, The Gleaner partnered with NewspaperArchive in 2005 to digitize over one million pages dating back to its founding, enabling keyword searches and browsable access that supports academic and genealogical research. Post-2010, the online platforms experienced notable growth in readership and revenue, aiming to grow digital revenue by more than 30 percent per year for the next three years as of , amid a "digital-first" strategy to address challenges in traditional and offset declines in by attracting younger audiences. Mobile optimization, including responsive and app integration for the e-paper, has been key to this expansion. In , the RJRGLEANER Group launched a five-point turnaround plan to overcome half-billion-dollar losses, emphasizing digital revenue growth, while reporting improved financial performance with a narrowed pre-tax loss of $96 million for Q3 2025 compared to $118 million the prior year.

Broadcasting and other media

In the late 20th century, The Gleaner diversified into through its subsidiary, Independent Radio Company Limited, acquiring Power 106 FM, a station focused on hits music, and Music 99 FM, which emphasized R&B and contemporary genres. These acquisitions enabled The Gleaner to expand beyond print media, targeting urban youth demographics with music-driven programming. The formation of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group in 2016, through the merger of The Gleaner Company and Radio Jamaica Limited, integrated Power 106 FM and Music 99 FM into a broader portfolio that included additional radio, television, and digital assets, with each entity holding 50% ownership post-merger. This structure facilitated operational synergies, such as cross-promotion between print editions and radio broadcasts, where stations like Power 106 FM provided live coverage of events, talk shows on Jamaican social and political issues, and real-time news updates that complemented The Gleaner's reporting. However, Music 99 FM was divested in 2021 to Caribbean Global Network Incorporated as part of regulatory and strategic adjustments following the merger. Beyond radio, The Gleaner extended into video and social media under the RJRGLEANER umbrella, launching the Jamaica Gleaner YouTube channel in the 2000s to distribute short-form news videos, such as "The Gleaner Minute" summaries of daily stories with visuals. The group maintains active presences on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), using these platforms for breaking news alerts, audience engagement, and multimedia clips to disseminate content rapidly. This multimedia expansion aimed to engage younger audiences accustomed to digital formats and extend reach to rural Jamaican communities where print circulation is limited, including direct ownership of television assets such as Television Jamaica (TVJ) for integrated content distribution.

Influence and legacy

Cultural and political role

The Gleaner, founded on September 13, 1834, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously published English-language newspaper in the and the , predating 's emancipation from in August 1834 and serving as a chronicler of the island's major historical events, including independence in and devastating hurricanes such as Gilbert in 1988. Over its nearly two centuries, the newspaper has documented 's evolution from colonial rule to nationhood, providing an unbroken record that parallels the country's socio-political transformations. In shaping public discourse, The Gleaner has wielded significant influence through its editorials, which have steered debates on social issues, economic policies, and political reforms, while letters to the editor and opinion pieces have fostered a sense of by amplifying diverse voices within Jamaican society. The publication has maintained a claim to political neutrality, positioning itself as an independent voice that holds governments accountable, yet it has faced criticisms of , particularly in its coverage of elections, scandals, and reforms dating back to the . For instance, during Michael Manley's socialist administration from 1972 to 1980, The Gleaner's framing of economic hardships and alleged contributed to negative public perceptions that played a role in the government's electoral defeat in 1980. Its reporting on contemporary issues, such as election integrity and political graft, continues to influence voter sentiment and policy discussions. Culturally, The Gleaner has played a pivotal role in documenting and promoting Jamaica's artistic and sporting heritage, including the rise of reggae music as a global phenomenon, literary works by figures like , and achievements in athletics, thereby preserving the nation's creative output as an integral part of its identity. Editorial reflections, such as those marking the newspaper's 180th anniversary in 2014, underscore how its coverage has mirrored Jamaica's cultural history, from colonial-era customs to modern expressions of resilience and innovation. Additionally, through overseas editions like The Gleaner North America, the publication sustains connections with communities in the , , and the , delivering news and fostering cultural ties that bridge the homeland with expatriates.

Awards and recognition

The RJRGLEANER Communications Group, which encompasses The Gleaner, secured 16 awards at the 2024 Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) National Journalism Awards, demonstrating excellence across print, broadcast, and formats. Key wins for The Gleaner included the Carl Wint Award for Best (Print) to reporter Corey Robinson for "Trapped in Silence," addressing social vulnerabilities in child welfare, and the News Photography Award to Ashley Anguin for impactful visual reporting on community issues. The group's broader successes highlighted investigative prowess, with Television Jamaica earning the President's Award for for "Life Interrupted: The Cancer Epidemic in ," and categories like Best TV Feature/Documentary for coverage of health and environmental concerns. Historically, The Gleaner staff have received multiple PAJ citations for in-depth coverage of social issues, including , , and inequality. In 2000, Senior Associate Editor Lloyd Williams was honored with the Carl Wint Award for Most Outstanding Journalist for his contributions to balanced reporting on societal challenges. Other notable staff achievements include PAJ recognitions for journalists covering Jamaica's post-independence era, such as chronicling political transitions and social reforms in the and beyond, underscoring the publication's role in documenting national development. On the company level, The Gleaner marked its 190th anniversary in 2024 with acknowledgments of its status as a cornerstone cultural institution in , reflecting its enduring influence on public discourse and historical documentation. The RJRGLEANER Group further earned 16 awards at the 2024 Caribbean Broadcasting Union Media Awards, including for integrated media productions that blend print and digital storytelling on regional topics. In 2025, the group won 12 awards at the 36th Broadcasting Union Media Awards. Internationally, The Gleaner has gained recognition for its archival significance, with extensive collections digitized and included in , the global library catalog, and , preserving over a century of Jamaican for scholarly access. While lacking major global press prizes, these inclusions affirm its regional acclaim for journalistic longevity and historical value.

References

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