The Wall Street Journal: A Pillar of American Business News
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 first published on July 8, 1889, evolving from the Kiernan News Agency. The newspaper was initially conceived by Charles Dow, Edward Jones, and Charles Bergstresser, aiming to provide comprehensive coverage of the financial world.
Ownership and Leadership
Currently, The Wall Street Journal is published by Dow Jones & Company, a division of News Corp. Key leadership roles 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, comprising 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.
Content and Coverage
The newspaper provides extensive coverage of business and finance, but also includes news on politics, culture, and lifestyle. It is considered one of the United States’ newspapers of record.
Editorial Stance and Recognition
The editorial page of The Wall Street Journal generally leans center-right in its political positions. The publication has been recognized for its journalistic excellence, having won 39 Pulitzer Prizes.
Subscription Model and Accessibility
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.
Reputation for Unbiased Reporting
While many sources exist, The Wall Street Journal is frequently cited as a reliable and relatively unbiased news source. A 2026 analysis highlights its inclusion among leading newspapers providing truthful information through journalistic practices and transparency.