Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Today’s episode is a deep dive into the rich tapestry of Kankakee’s journalistic history, brought to life by our special guest, Jack Klasey. As we explore the legacy of our local newspapers, we uncover stories of dedication, evolution, and community impact that span over a century.
The Ever-Changing Landscape of Local Newspapers
Kankakee’s newspaper scene has seen numerous transformations over the years, with several newspapers making their mark and eventually fading away. “From the 1860s to the early 1880s, Kankakee saw papers like the Gazette, Union, Herald, Democrat, Times, and Journal come and go,” Jack Klasey noted. This period of flux laid the groundwork for the enduring publications that followed.
The Rise and Legacy of the Small Family
One of the most intriguing chapters in our local history is the Small family’s involvement in Kankakee journalism. Beginning with the purchase of the Daily Times in 1903 and renaming it the Kankakee Daily Republican, the Smalls have left an indelible mark on our community. Leslie Small, a notable member, took the Republican, initially struggling, and transformed it dramatically, escalating circulation from 1,100 to 24,000 copies daily.
Evolution of The Daily Journal
The 20th century brought significant changes, with merges and rebrands shaping the newspaper’s trajectory. In 1931, the Kankakee Republican and the Daily News combined to become the Kankakee Republican-News, later renamed the Kankakee Daily Journal in 1945. This progression underscores the dynamic nature of local journalism and its ability to adapt over time.
The Shift to Digital and Modern Challenges
Today, The Daily Journal faces new challenges as it navigates the shift from print to digital. The decrease in print advertising revenue has required the paper to adapt, now focusing on two print editions and five digital editions weekly. “The Journal aims to enhance its local news coverage, as national news is widely accessible from other sources,” Klasey shared.
A Nod to Past and Present Staff
The episode offers a heartfelt look at the people behind the news. Current editor, Lee Provost, along with key staff members like Jeff Bonty, Chris Breach, and Tiffany Blanchett, continue the tradition of dedicated journalism. Reflecting on his time at The Journal, Klasey recalled his starting wage and the camaraderie in the newsroom, emphasizing, “Journalists historically didn’t earn high salaries; my first job paid minimum wage, $1.25 an hour.”
Personal Stories and Community Roots
Our journey through Kankakee’s newspaper history wouldn’t be complete without touching on personal connections. Jack Klasey’s wife, who worked as The Journal’s librarian for 24 years, illustrates the deep-rooted ties many have with the publication. The shared experiences and stories make the history of local journalism not just a professional tale but a deeply personal one as well.
Conclusion: The Vital Role of Local Journalism
Our conversation with Jack Klasey highlights the crucial role local journalism plays in informing and uniting our community. As Shaw Media takes the helm, there’s a collective hope that The Daily Journal will continue to serve as a vital resource for Kankakee.
Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey through Kankakee’s newspaper legacy. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast and follow us on social media. And a special shoutout to our Patreon supporter, Teage Drinnon—you help keep local stories alive!
Until next time, this is Jake LaMore, reminding you that our community’s story is still being written. Stay tuned for more tales from the heart of Kankakee County!
