The Wall Street Journal: A Pillar of American Financial Journalism

Founded in 1889, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) stands as a leading source of business and financial news in the United States and globally. As of June 2025, it maintains its position as the largest newspaper in the U.S. By print circulation and boasts a substantial digital subscriber base, demonstrating its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

History and Founding

The Wall Street Journal traces its origins to July 8, 1889. It was initially founded by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser. A precursor to the Journal was the Kiernan News Agency, founded by John J. Kiernan. The newspaper quickly established itself as a key source of information for investors and those involved in the financial markets.

Ownership and Leadership

Currently, The Wall Street Journal is published by Dow Jones & Company, which is a division of News Corp. Key leadership positions as of 2026 include Almar Latour as Publisher, Emma Tucker as Editor-in-chief, Charles Forelle as Deputy editor, and Liz Harris as Managing editor. Paul Gigot serves as the Opinion editor.

Circulation and Readership

As of 2025, The Wall Street Journal reports 4,538,000 news subscribers, comprised of 4,126,000 digital-only subscribers and 412,000 print + digital subscribers. This demonstrates a significant shift towards digital consumption, while still maintaining a dedicated print readership.

Editorial Stance and Recognition

The editorial page of The Wall Street Journal is generally considered center-right in its political positions. The newspaper has been recognized for its journalistic excellence, having won 39 Pulitzer Prizes.

Subscription Model and Access

The Wall Street Journal operates on a subscription model, requiring payment for access to most of its articles and content. This model supports its commitment to independent, in-depth journalism.

Media Landscape and Bias

In the current media environment, understanding potential biases is crucial. AllSides provides media bias ratings to help readers assess perspectives across the political spectrum. While unbiased news coverage is difficult to achieve, awareness of potential leanings can contribute to a more informed understanding of current events.

Key Takeaways

• The Wall Street Journal is a leading source of business and financial news.
• It has a long history dating back to 1889.
• The newspaper operates on a subscription model.
• Its editorial stance is generally considered center-right.
• It has a substantial digital and print readership.