“English-language daily newspaper” might seem like a simple label. But it carries a rich history here at the Montreal Gazette. The Montreal Gazette stands as a testament to time. It is Quebec’s oldest daily newspaper.
Founded in 1778 by Fleury Mesplet, the Montreal Gazette began as La Gazette du commerce et littéraire. It was the first entirely French-language newspaper in Canada. Imagine a newspaper focused on literature and philosophy. It aimed to promote discussion. Benjamin Franklin even encouraged Mesplet. He wanted to persuade Canadians to join the American Revolution.
However, this initial venture was short-lived. In 1779, Mesplet and his editor were arrested for sedition. They were imprisoned for three years.
Undeterred, Mesplet relaunched the paper in 1785. It was now called The Montreal Gazette / La Gazette de Montréal. This time it featured a bilingual format. French columns appeared on the left. English columns were on the right. Valentin Jautard translated the French articles into English. The Montreal Gazette took a Voltairian and anticlerical stance. It advocated for Quebec to have its legislative assembly. The paper sought to import the principles of the French Revolution.
After Mesplet’s death in 1794, the newspaper changed hands several times. In 1822, it became an English-only publication. Under Thomas Andrew Turner, The Gazette sided with anglophone business leaders. They were in conflict with the Patriote movement.
The Montreal Gazette played a controversial role in 1849. Editor-in-chief James Moir Ferres incited “Anglo-Saxon” residents to arms. This led to the burning of the Parliament Buildings. Ferres was arrested but later released.
In 1939, John Collins became the Montreal Gazette’s first editorial cartoonist. He held the position for 43 years. The Southam newspaper chain acquired The Gazette in 1968.
For years, The Gazette competed with the Montreal Herald and the Montreal Star. The Montreal Star was the leading English newspaper. The Montreal Herald closed in 1957. The Montreal Star ceased publication in 1979, following a long strike. A competing daily, the Montreal Daily News, launched in 1988. It closed in 1989. The Montreal Gazette kept its Sunday edition until 2010.
The Montreal Gazette joined the digital age. It was relaunched with a new website and apps in 2014. The name officially became the Montreal Gazette. But in 2023, it reverted to The Gazette.
Today, the Montreal Gazette primarily serves Quebec’s English-speaking community. It strives to reach bilingual francophone professionals. Marilena Lucci is the current editor-in-chief.
The Montreal Gazette continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing media landscape. Yet, its commitment to journalism remains steadfast. It delivers local, national, and international news. The Montreal Gazette provides opinion columns and editorials. It offers sports and entertainment coverage. It remains a vital source of information and a voice for the community.