Peoria Journal Star -- July 16, 2009

OLLI member Bernie Drake wore two hats -- one literally -- during our tour of the Peoria Journal Star. Bernie, a longtime OLLI member who also volunteers as a PJS tour guide, led our group on a visit to the building.

Peoria's newspaper history started on December 10, 1855 as the Peoria Daily Transcript. In 1954, the the Peoria Star and Peoria Transcript merged to form the Journal Star, and was housed in the building still located at One News Plaza.

At one time, more than 100 people worked in the newsroom as reporters, editors, artists, and photographers (there are approximately 65 people in the newsroom today). Advertising accounts for 75% of the newspaper's revenue. The new Man Roland press began production in the new 64,000 square-foot press room on October 25, 2004. The press can produce up to 70,000 newspapers per hour.

OLLI would like to thank John Plevka, managing editor, for taking the time to speak with us at the end of our tour. We enjoyed learning about the editorial process, issues facing print journalism in today's society, and the advent of internet news.

For more information about the Peoria Journal Star, please visit www.pjstar.com