By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Twenty years ago today, Buffalo became a one newspaper town. But time has not diminished the memories former reporters and editors have of the old Buffalo Courier-Express.
On Sunday, September 19th, 1982, Western New Yorkers picked up their last copy of the Courier-Express. Across the top was a giant headline that simply read, "Goodbye." The next morning, the competing Buffalo Evening News published its first-ever "Sunrise" edition.
The competition between the two newspapers was intense. Beat reporters from both wanted to be first with the story. In the late 1970s, the competition grew even hotter when the News launched a Sunday edition, under the leadership of new owner Warren Buffett. Both papers were bleeding money. The speculation was one would die. The only question, which one.
In early September, 1982, it was announced the decision had been made to close the Courier-Express. But in the days that followed, there appeared to be some hope it would survive. Media magnate Rupert Murdoch entered into talks to buy the paper. But there would have to be changes, including massive union concessions. Plus, it was likely the Courier's format would have changed to that of a tabloid that Murdoch papers were famous for. Marshall Brown was the long-time police beat reporter for the Courier-Express. He says Courier employees were especially angry that Murdoch wanted to fire all of the truck drivers, forcing them to become independent contractors.
The largest union at the Courier, the newspaper Guild representing reporters and editors, feared they, too, would eventually lose their clout under Murdoch ownership and voted to reject his offer. That effectively ended any chance of saving the Courier.
Assistant Managing Editor Don Barry stayed on for several more weeks, overseeing the shut-down effort. Ironically, the demise of the Courier came at the same time a new national newspaper was making its debut, USA Today. Barry says several reporters from the Courier hooked on with the new operation.
Many former reporters of the Buffalo Courier-Express say they still get together about once a month. Tonight, they'll be gathering for a reunion at Buffalo State College, where the Courier's extensive archives are stored.
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