Philly’s Bulletin Newspaper Is Resurrected
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
Inspired by New York City’s own conservative broadsheet, an entrepreneur has resurrected the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.
Like The New York Sun, which made its comeback in 2002 after closing in 1950, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin has a long and storied history. Originally published daily from 1874 to 1982, the broadsheet was once the largest afternoon paper in the country.
The publisher and owner of the Bulletin is Thomas Rice, an investor. The editor is the former editor of the Main Line Times, Kevin Williamson. Mr. Williamson said the old Evening Bulletin was a paper the people of Philadelphia felt very attached to. He hopes to continue that relationship with a new generation of readers.
Published Monday through Friday, the Bulletin hits the streets by 3 p.m., to be sold for 25 cents in Philadelphia and its suburbs. The paper is available at retail locations, vending machines, and transportation points, as well as from corner newsboys.
Mr. Williamson said the Evening Bulletin is “a new daily newspaper in a major American city, and we’re trying to make it work by covering the news thoroughly, accurately, and intelligently, which is something the Sun has accomplished.”
The Evening Bulletin began publishing November 22 and has been “doing all right,” Mr. Williamson said. The paper started with a press run of 25,000, and the staff comprises about 17 employees and is growing, the editor said. The paper competes with the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, suburban publications, and an edition of Metro, a free newspaper. The difference between the Evening Bulletin and the competition, Mr. Williamson said, is that the Evening Bulletin is “very texty,” with longer stories that are “written for people who like to read.”
On the paper’s Web site, an 11-point list of goals and promises, as spelled out by Mr. Williamson, states: “The Bulletin believes that by telling the truth, free from partisan bias and hidden agendas, we will make our community a better place to live.”
Though there are similarities between the Bulletin and the Sun, Mr. Williamson acknowledges one area where his paper needs to improve. He said he “would kill for” the New York morning paper’s arts and entertainment section.
