The Victoria Advocate, the second-oldest newspaper in Texas, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. The paper has been serving the Crossroads area since 1846, covering local, regional, and national news with integrity and professionalism.
A history of excellence
The Victoria Advocate was founded by John D. Logan, a lawyer and politician who moved to Victoria from Tennessee. He started the paper as a weekly publication, with the first issue coming out on April 25, 1846. The paper was initially called the Texian Advocate, but changed its name to the Victoria Advocate in 1847.
The paper has witnessed and reported on many historical events, such as the Texas Revolution, the Civil War, the World Wars, the Great Depression, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the moon landing, the Watergate scandal, the 9/11 attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper has also chronicled the growth and development of Victoria and the surrounding communities, highlighting their achievements and challenges.
The paper has been owned by several families over the years, including the O’Connors, the Welders, the Kilgores, and the Plunketts. In 2012, the paper was sold to M. Olaf Frandsen, a veteran journalist and publisher who had previously worked at newspapers in Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Frandsen is committed to maintaining the paper’s legacy and relevance in the digital age.
A mission of service
The Victoria Advocate’s mission is to inform, educate, and advocate for its readers and community. The paper strives to provide accurate, fair, and balanced reporting on issues that matter to its audience. The paper also aims to be a watchdog for the public interest, holding accountable those in power and exposing wrongdoing and injustice.
The paper also seeks to be a voice for the voiceless, giving a platform to those who are often marginalized or ignored by mainstream media. The paper covers topics such as diversity, inclusion, health, education, environment, arts, culture, sports, and entertainment. The paper also features stories of ordinary people who do extraordinary things or overcome adversity.
The paper also values community engagement and involvement. The paper welcomes feedback and input from its readers through letters to the editor, online comments, social media interactions, polls, surveys, and events. The paper also supports and sponsors various community initiatives and causes, such as literacy programs, scholarships, fundraisers, festivals, and awards.
A vision of innovation
The Victoria Advocate is not only a newspaper but also a multimedia company that offers a variety of products and services to its customers. The paper has embraced new technologies and platforms to reach more people and deliver more value.
The paper has a robust website that features breaking news, multimedia content, interactive features, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, e-Editions, and archives. The paper also has a strong presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. The paper also has a mobile app that allows users to access news anytime and anywhere.
The paper also offers digital marketing solutions to local businesses through its subsidiary company called Advocate Digital Media. The company provides services such as web design, SEO, social media management, email marketing, video production, and online advertising.
The paper also produces several niche publications that cater to specific audiences and interests. Some of these publications include Crossroads Finder, a local directory of businesses and services; Crossroads Life, a lifestyle magazine; Crossroads Business Journal, a quarterly magazine that covers local economy and industry; Crossroads Health, a health magazine; Crossroads Pets, a pet magazine; Crossroads Home & Garden, a home improvement magazine; Crossroads Sports, a sports magazine; Crossroads Education, an education magazine; Crossroads Faith & Family, a faith-based magazine; Crossroads Senior Living, a senior living magazine; Crossroads Weddings & Celebrations, a wedding planning magazine; Crossroads Outdoors, an outdoor recreation magazine; Crossroads Arts & Entertainment, an arts and entertainment magazine; Crossroads Travel & Leisure, a travel magazine; Crossroads Dining Guide, a dining guide; Crossroads Auto Guide, an auto guide; Crossroads Real Estate Guide, a real estate guide; Crossroads Employment Guide, an employment guide; Crossroads Legal Guide, a legal guide; Crossroads Obituaries, an obituary section; and Crossroads Classifieds, a classified ads section.
The paper also partners with other media outlets and organizations to produce and distribute content. Some of these partners include Texas Press Association, Associated Press, USA Today Network, GateHouse Media, Gannett, and PBS.
The Victoria Advocate is proud of its 175 years of journalism and looks forward to serving its community for many more years to come.