History
The paper was founded on October 20, 1884 by William-Edmond Blumhart. Trefflé Berthiaume took over in 1889. The fledgling newspaper's circulation would soon pass that of its main competitor of the time, La Patrie.
In April 1901, the paper organised a cruise to Quebec City (Croisière de La Presse). It also organised a charity to give Christmas gifts to poor children (L'Oeuvre des étrennes aux enfants pauvres).
A front-page illustration on the December 3, 1904 issue celebrated the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the dogma of Immaculate Conception. The practice of the time was to have an illustration on the front page, rather than a photograph.
The style and presentation have changed immensely during the course of the 20th century. It underwent a complete graphic remodeling in 1986, and again in 2003.
Since 1984, La Presse has every year honoured a "Person of the Year." In the past, it has honoured Julie Payette, Daniel Langlois and Gaétan Boucher. That same year, it published a commemorative book in order to celebrate its 100th anniversary. A similar book was published by Éditions La Presse to recap the major events of the 20th century.
In 2001, with the arrival of new editor Guy Crevier, the newspaper began a radical remodeling. The graphic design was modernized, new sections were created, international coverage was greatly increased, and many new young, up-and-coming journalists were hired. These changes had a significant positive impact on quality and circulation, especially amongst young adult readers.
Read more about this topic: La Presse (Canadian newspaper)
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