131 ARKHAM ADVERTISER
389 W Armitage Street
The forerunner of the Advertiser was the Arkham Bulletin (first published in 1821). In 1828, the paper changed hands and was renamed the Miskatonic Valley Gleaner, appearing for four years before it was again sold, reappearing as the Arkham Advertiser in 1832.
Most consider the Advertiser to be the more aggressive of the two Arkham newspapers, even printing extras and what its managing editor, Harvey Gedney, calls “five-PMs” for Arkham, when news dictates. The Advertiser tends to print more features—especially about technical and scientific wonders (which Gedney favors), as well as comic strips, and ethnically slanted international news than does its rival the Gazette ( 110 ARKHAM GAZETTE ).
Normal office hours are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Someone is usually in the office or the pressroom, even at midnight, but everything closes tight from 10:00 pm Saturday to 8:00 pm Sunday. The standard morning edition runs off the printers at 3:00 am. If news warrants, revised editions—extras—run at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, or 4:30 pm. Such later editions are small quantity, local street-sale distribution only. A story is rarely big enough to warrant four editions in one day. Only one edition appears Saturday and Sunday, with the Sunday edition run and distributed Saturday night. Daily editions cost 3 cents, while the Sunday paper costs 7 cents. Special editions appear on the Fourth of July, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, with as many display ads as Gedney can sell to local businesses.
The publisher and managing editor is Harvey Gedney, whose family has owned the paper since 1832. He employs two full-time reporter/editors, a secretary, a linotypist, a caseman, two pressmen, a circulation manager, an advertising manager, and part-time help and correspondents as needed.
Researching at the Advertiser
Along the two walls behind the secretary’s desk is a near-complete and bound collection of the Advertiser since it began publication. Richard Gedney, who bought the paper in 1832, foolishly discarded the Bulletin and Gleaner years. Some old issues of the Bulletin and Gleaner are in the MU’s Orne Library (623).
Few people are interested in old newspapers, so the staff is always flattered when anyone asks to take a look. Of course, such hospitality is liable to turn to fury if someone mutilates a back issue by clipping out a story or leaves a mess behind.
Notable Folk
Harvey Gedney, 42, is the publisher and managing editor, who is intent on crushing his rival, the Gazette. Gedney favors anything that will give his paper an edge, often undercutting fees to win advertisers.
Roberta Henry, 23, a reporter (one of just two editor/reporters on staff ). Arriving two years ago, Henry has established herself with her charm and assertiveness, although she is regularly frustrated by Gedney rewriting her stories (especially the ones which may be stepping on too many toes). Ambitious, she seeks out the stories that can increase her profile.
Comments