The Legacy of Wilbur F. Storey: A New Era for WPS News

By, WPS News Staff
Baybay City | January 19, 2025

In the story of American journalism, few statements are as powerful as Wilbur F. Storey’s 1861 saying: “It is a newspaper’s duty to print the news and raise hell.” This message highlights the important role newspapers play—not just telling people what happened but also standing up for what is right. At WPS News, we are proud to adopt this famous slogan for our masthead, showing our commitment to starting conversations and revealing the truth.

The Chicago Times and Its Important Mission

Storey’s words in the Chicago Times came during a time of great change in America. His strong statement pushed newspapers to do more than just report facts; they needed to challenge the way things were and fight for those who did not have a voice. This was a call for reporters to tackle important issues with energy and passion.

Storey’s motto still matters today. The Chicago Times, during the Civil War, had the job of informing a divided country, helping people understand what was happening, and bringing the community together through shared discussions.

Important Voices in Journalism

This mission is also reflected in the work of famous columnist Walter Winchell, who shaped the way stories were told with his unique writing style. Winchell showed how personal style can connect with audiences and encourage discussions about important topics. His influence on public opinion was huge, reminding us of the power journalism has to shape how people think and feel.

As we take on our new slogan, WPS News recognizes the impact of these early journalists. Just as they influenced their communities, we strive to ignite conversations that matter—reflecting different viewpoints and encouraging important discussions.

Weathering the Storm: The Connection Between News and Life

A great example of this idea comes from the Associated Press, which reported on a major heatwave. The reporting highlighted the serious effects of the severe weather, linking it to the idea of ‘Hell’—a strong image that reminds us of our shared experiences during difficult times. This coverage showed how climate issues affect our everyday lives and emphasized our connection to each other, even in tough situations.

Understanding Different Opinions

The idea of standing up for what is right and encouraging accountability is not just theory; it shows in the everyday work of news organizations like WPS News. We must consider a variety of opinions and viewpoints, just as a character named Bill does in our reporting. Bill’s honest thoughts reflect the complexity of public discussion, showing how newspapers must present multiple sides of a story to help readers understand better.

A Statement of Purpose: Our New Masthead

By adopting the tagline “It’s a newspaper’s business to print news and raise hell” for our masthead, WPS News is making a clear statement about our purpose. The masthead, which usually includes the publication’s name and important information, now represents our promise to deliver bold journalism. It stands for our commitment to hold leaders accountable, seek the truth fiercely, and lift up the voices in our community.

In today’s changing media environment, the spirit of journalism remains strong. WPS News is dedicated to living out this mission through fearless reporting and a willingness to engage with important issues. We invite our readers to join us on this journey—where we stand up for transparency, explore the issues that matter, and, when needed, raise a bit of hell.

As we look to the future, we honor the legacy of pioneering journalists like Wilbur F. Storey and commit ourselves to the vital role of the press in a democratic society. Here’s to uncovering the truth, inspiring action, and, most importantly, raising voices that deserve to be heard.