Roy Wilson Howard was an American publisher and editor who was considered an icon in journalism. Howard was the leader of the United Press at the time of its greatest growth and led it to become a global news agency. He also served as chairman and business director of Scripps-Howard newspaper chain, which eventually became the largest chain in the US.
Howard was born in Gano, Ohio on January 1, 1883. His family moved to Indianapolis when he was seven. The early demise of his father exposed Howard to the delivery of daily paper in order to help in raising the family’s finances.
When he was in high school, Howard worked as correspondent for Indianapolis News. His assignment was for the Manual Training High School. Since his rate was based on space, he used the name E.H. Kemper McComb in order to earn more. At five cents per line, Howard made $35 per week.
After high school, Howard worked full time with Indianapolis News for a weekly pay of $8. He was promoted because of his talent. He quit from Indianapolis News and joined its rival company Indianapolis Star as sports editor.
While at Indianapolis Star, Howard longed to find a larger newspaper company. In 1906, Howard worked for Scripps-McRae as news correspondent for New York. At that time, E.W. Scripps was acquiring smaller news agencies to form the United Press. Scripps appointed Howard as the general news editor for New York.
After working hard with Scripps, Howard was appointed as president of United Press in 1912. It was during his presidency that United Press had the greatest growth. In 1907, United Press had 369 afternoon clients. In 1909, it grew to 392. It was at 491 in 1921. Howard led United Press to become a global news agency.
Under Howard’s presidency, United Press made its first wireless dispatch. It was also the first news agency to transmit feature stories. United Press was also the first to use automatic printers outside New York.
Howard became the chairman of Scripps-McRae in 1921. Howard proposed the changing of the company’s name to Scripps-Howard. The change occurred in 1925.
Howard died of massive coronary complications on November 20, 1964.
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