The Oregon Journal - The Journal at Its Height

The Journal At Its Height

Sam Jackson served as the Journal's editor and publisher for 22 years, from July 1902 until his death in 1924. He was succeeded by his son, Philip L. Jackson, who, following his father's footsteps, ran the newspaper for 29 years, expanding into broadcasting, as well.

Under the Jacksons' leadership, the Journal competed with the state's major newspaper, The Oregonian, also based in Portland, with the Journal touting itself as the "strong voice of the Oregon Country." The paper was involved in a number of early 20th century crusades for reform, including better control of Oregon timberlands, adoption of the initiative, referendum and recall laws, direct election of U.S. senators, for pure milk, and dredging of the Columbia River navigation channel to allow development of Portland as a major world port.

The Journal ventured into the radio waves as well as print, purchasing KOIN radio (AM 970). On September 21, 1932, the Journal purchased its second station, KALE. On March 30, 1946 KOIN was sold to Field Enterprises, Inc., Marshall Field III, President.

In 1947, the Journal became the first newspaper in the country to employ a helicopter on a regular basis to gather news photographs. Pictures taken from the helicopter, known as the "Newsroom Dragonfly," were prominent in the paper's pages. The Journal's associate publisher, Jackson's grandson, C.S. Jackson II, was tragically killed when the helicopter, which he was piloting, crashed.

On June 6, 1948, KALE became KPOJ standing for, Portland Oregon Journal. Also on this date KPOJ-FM was launched.

The Journal's circulation peaked in 1948, with daily sales of 201,421 and Sunday circulation of 217,808.