McClatchy Through the Years
By
Susan Paterno
Susan Paterno (paterno@chapman.edu) is an AJR senior contributing writer.
1857
Sacramento Daily Bee debuts. James McClatchy, an original member of the editing staff, becomes editor five months after the launch. He becomes part- owner nine years later.
1883
James McClatchy dies, leaving half of his interest in the paper to his wife, Charlotte, and a quarter each to sons C.K. and V.S.
1884
McClatchys assume full ownership of the Bee.
1922
McClatchy launches the Fresno Bee.
1923
After 40 years of running the company with brother V.S., C.K. assumes sole control.
1927
McClatchy buys the News-Herald in Modesto. Six years later it is renamed the Modesto Bee.
1936
C.K. McClatchy dies; daughter Eleanor takes over the business.
1975
Erwin Potts joins McClatchy as general manager.
1978
C.K. McClatchy, grandson of the first C.K., becomes company president after Eleanor retires.
1979
McClatchy buys the Anchorage Daily News and Washington State's Tri-CityHerald.
1984
Gary Pruitt joins McClatchy as corporate counsel.
1986
The company acquires the News Tribune in Tacoma, Washington.
1988
McClatchy goes public.
1989
After C.K. dies, Erwin Potts becomes the first person outside the family to head McClatchy.
1990
The company buys three small dailies in South Carolina.
1995
The company buys Raleigh's News & Observer.
1996
Gary Pruitt becomes CEO; he is named chairman five years later.
1998
McClatchy buys Minneapolis' Star Tribune and its subsidiaries for $1.4 billion. ###
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