The Globe and Mail
A Canadian national newspaper with roots in the 19th century.
The Globe and Mail is a Canadian newspaper printed in five cities in western and central Canada. With a weekly readership of more than 6 million in 2024, it is Canada's most widely read newspaper on weekdays and Saturdays, and is regarded by some as Canada's 'newspaper of record'.
- founded
- 1936 (merger of The Globe and The Mail and Empire)
- field
- Newspaper publishing
- nationality
- Canadian
- known_for
- Canada's newspaper of record; national circulation; Report on Business section
- headquarters
- Toronto, Ontario (various locations over time)
Lore & Background
The merger was arranged by George McCullagh, who fronted for mining magnate William Henry Wright and became the first publisher. to form Bell Globemedia. Direct control was reacquired by the Thomson family through the Woodbridge Company in 2010, and Woodbridge bought BCE's remaining stake in 2015. Under editorship in the 1980s and 1990s, the paper endorsed free trade policies and the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords. It launched its website in 1995 and began covering breaking news online in 2000. A major redesign in 2010 introduced full-colour pages and a bolder visual presentation.
Reader's Guide
The Globe and Mail has served as a central voice in Canadian journalism for decades, evolving from a merger of 19th-century papers into a national institution. Its reputation as Canada's 'newspaper of record' reflects its broad readership and influence, particularly in business and national affairs. The paper's Report on Business section, launched in 1962, helped build its standing as the voice of Toronto's business community. Its ownership history—from the Thomson family to BCE and back—illustrates the consolidation of Canadian media. The paper's editorial stances on free trade and constitutional accords shaped public debate, while its social liberalism, including advocacy for drug decriminalization and gay rights, marked its modern identity. The 2010 redesign aimed to provoke national debate and adapt to changing reader habits. Today, it remains a key source of news for Canadians, with a weekly readership exceeding 6 million.
Did You Know?
- The merger that created The Globe and Mail in 1936 was described as 'the minnow swallowed the whale' because The Globe had a smaller circulation than The Mail and Empire.
- The newspaper's motto, 'The subject who is truly loyal to the Chief Magistrate will neither advise nor submit to arbitrary measures,' has appeared on the editorial page since the 19th century.
- The Globe and Mail launched its website in 1995 and began covering breaking news online with its own content in 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Globe and Mail?
It is a Canadian national newspaper based in Toronto, Ontario, and printed across five cities in western and central Canada. It is widely regarded as the country's newspaper of record.
How large is The Globe and Mail's readership?
As of 2024, it reaches more than six million readers each week. That makes it the most widely read newspaper in Canada on both weekdays and Saturdays.
What is The Globe and Mail most known for?
Beyond its national reach and newspaper-of-record status, it is particularly recognized for its Report on Business section. Its lineage stretches back to 19th-century publications that were combined in 1936.
Where is The Globe and Mail headquartered?
Its headquarters are in Toronto, Ontario, though the specific office location has changed over the years. The paper is produced in five cities spanning western and central Canada.
How did The Globe and Mail come into existence?
It was created in 1936 when two older Canadian publications, The Globe and The Mail and Empire, merged into a single newspaper. Both predecessors had histories dating back to the 19th century.
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