Chamber Ambassadors Tour the Daily Freeman-Journal

Chamber Ambassadors Tour the Daily Freeman-Journal

 Webster City Chamber Ambassadors had the opportunity to tour the Daily Freeman-Journal, Webster City’s oldest ongoing business, first publishing in 1857. The tour provided an eye-opening look at the scale and impact of this local newspaper, which does far more than print Webster City’s news.

A surprising fact the Chamber Ambassadors learned that the Daily Freeman-Journal’s printing press produces 84 community newspapers from across the state—right here in downtown Webster City. That’s right, 84! The printing operation extends across Iowa, nearly reaching from corner to corner.

The sheer capacity of the press is impressive, running 6,000 copies per hour under normal conditions and ramping up to 9,000 copies per hour when deadlines are pressing. Even more remarkable, the entire printing operation is powered 100% by air compression, making it an innovative and efficient production facility.

Beyond printing, the Daily Freeman-Journal is supported by multiple departments, including editorial, reporting, advertising, press operations, digital processing, and business administration. The paper employs 25 dedicated team members, many of whom have been with the company for decades. Some employees have even followed in the footsteps of family members who worked there before them.

Notable staff include Angie Anderson, Plant Manager and Chamber Ambassador, who has been with the company for over 25 years. Editor Jane Curtis began her journalism career right in the newsroom of the Daily Freeman-Journal.

The printing press is a marvel of production, requiring 9,000 printing plates per month to keep up with demand. And when it’s time to refill the black ink, it’s done on an industrial scale—akin to a tanker truck refilling a fuel station. Fortunately, the ink used is 100% soy-based, making the operation an environmentally conscious one.

A fascinating piece of history emerged during the tour: the Daily Freeman-Journal’s name is rooted in abolitionist history. One of the newspaper’s founding partners was a passionate advocate against slavery, using the publication to take a stand on the issue.

Today, the Daily Freeman-Journal remains an award-winning institution, having received 17 journalism and industry awards this year alone. It continues to be a vital source of information for Webster City and beyond.

“If you want to stay informed about what’s happening in Webster City,” said Anna Woodward, Chamber Director, “make sure to subscribe to your local newspaper or read online!”

For more information on the Daily Freeman-Journal or to subscribe, visit www.freemanjournal.net.

About the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce

The Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and celebrating the history and achievements of our community. Learn more at visitwebstercityiowa.com.