The History of the Gleaner Company
Few companies in Jamaica today can trace their origins back to 1834. The Gleaner Company Limited is one of these. The Gleaner Company, founded by the brothers Jacob and Joshua deCordova, was established in 1834.
Its first publication was a four-page weekly newspaper, issued on Saturday, September 13, 1834 as an octavio-sized weekly paper.
From Ink to Influence
Few Jamaican companies can trace their story back nearly two centuries, but The Gleaner can. Founded in 1834 by brothers Jacob and Joshua deCordova in Kingston, The Gleaner began as a four-page weekly newspaper, The Gleaner and Weekly Compendium of News, first printed on September 13, 1834. It brought together shipping news, local and colonial reports, notices, literary selections, and advertisements for its readers.
The founders described its purpose simply: to please, amuse, and inform while “contain(ing) every circumstance of importance that may occur during the week.” Even then, they recognised the public’s importance to their success, writing, “We are perfectly aware of the difficulties of our present undertaking; but we feel assured from the proverbial kindness of the Jamaica Public, joined in our unremitting exertions to render our paper worthy of their support.”
Over time, The Gleaner evolved - changing its name, format, and publishing frequency, but remaining Jamaica’s most trusted source for news, information, entertainment, and national dialogue.
The paper’s first home was 66 West Harbour Street in Downtown Kingston. Soon after, it moved to 156 Harbour Street, expanding to include semi-weekly and overseas editions - proof, even then, of its mission to connect Jamaicans across borders.
In 1882, fire destroyed the printing plant, but The Gleaner rebounded, first operating from the Government Printing Office before returning to Harbour Street stronger than before. The 1907 earthquake again destroyed the building and claimed the life of then Chairman Charles deMercado, yet by 1909 the company had rebuilt and occupied the full block from 148 to 156 Harbour Street.
A major milestone came in 1897, when The Gleaner became one of Jamaica’s first public companies, evolving from a family enterprise into a national institution. By 1964, its shares were trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, another first for local media.
A Jamaican Legacy, Everywhere
To better serve western Jamaica, The Gleaner opened a Montego Bay branch in 1966, supporting editorial, circulation, and advertising. That office now operates at 23 Orange Street as part of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group’s Western Bureau.
On August 6, 1962, The Gleaner celebrated Jamaica’s Independence with a special edition featuring the flag-raising ceremony, national anthem, and messages of pride and hope. Its bold headlines and vivid coverage captured the emotion and promise of a new nation.
In 1969, the company moved to its current home at North and East Streets, Kingston, a five-storey complex spanning two and a half acres. The site houses the head office, printing plant, warehouse, and corporate offices - a testament to Jamaican resilience and growth.
Nine years later, in 1978, under the leadership of the then Managing Director The Hon. Oliver Clarke, OJ, Hon LLD, The Gleaner launched Jamaica’s largest public debenture issue, raising J$4 million and earning overwhelming public support. The success cleared debts and secured the company’s long-term financial stability.
The Gleaner also expanded its global reach early. The Weekly Gleaner, launched in 1951, served Jamaicans in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, creating one of the earliest media connections to the Jamaican Diaspora.
Leading the Digital Revolution
When The Gleaner launched www.jamaica-gleaner.com in 1997 under the leadership of The Hon. Oliver Clarke, OJ, Hon LLD, it became the first Caribbean newspaper website, reaffirming its reputation as a media pioneer. The company now delivers content across multiple platforms - from websites and e-papers to mobile apps and social media including Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube (@jamaicagleaner and @jamaicastar), and Facebook.
Through the stewardship of Mr. Carl Domville, Mr. Joseph Matalon, Managing Director Mr. Christopher Barnes, JP, and CEO Mr. Anthony Smith, The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited has continued to transform its operations, expanding far beyond print to deliver credible, engaging journalism through dynamic digital channels.
Following the 2016 merger with Radio Jamaica Limited, The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited became a subsidiary of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group, anchoring a powerful multimedia network reaching audiences in Jamaica, the Jamaican Diaspora, and worldwide.
The company’s subsidiaries include:
⦁ The Gleaner Co. (UK) Ltd.
⦁ The Gleaner Co. (USA) Ltd.
⦁ Gleaner Media (Canada) Inc.
⦁ Independent Radio Co. Ltd., operators of Power 106FM and Music 99FM.
The company now produces nine major publications and operates a range of digital platforms (including e-papers, websites, social channels, and apps) connecting Jamaicans everywhere, on any device.
Nearly two hundred years after its founding, The Gleaner remains Jamaica’s newspaper of record - evolving with the times, but steadfast in its truth, credibility, and commitment to public service. Wherever Jamaicans are, at home or abroad, The Gleaner continues to inform, inspire, and connect the nation.
