Gardner Cowles, Sr.

American publisher

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July 16, 2026

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Gardner Cowles, Sr. was an American publisher who significantly impacted regional newspapers in the United States. He purchased The Des Moines Register in 1908, which, through mergers, became a dominant force in Iowa. Cowles also acquired the evening daily, the Des Moines Tribune, consolidating his influence in the region. His family, particularly his sons John and Gardner Jr. (Mike), continued his legacy in publishing, developing mass magazines like Look and expanding newspaper holdings, including The Minneapolis Star and Minneapolis Tribune.12

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The Des Moines Register
In the following year Gardner Cowles, Sr., bought the paper, and in 1908 he purchased an evening daily, the Des Moines Tribune (1906). Publication of both papers—the morning Register and the evening Tribune, each with a separate editorial staff—continued under the Des Moines Register and Tribune Company. By 1927…
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In the following year Gardner Cowles, Sr., bought the paper, and in 1908 he purchased an evening daily, the Des Moines Tribune (1906). Publication of both papers—the morning Register and the evening Tribune, each with a separate editorial staff—continued under the Des Moines Register and Tribune Company. By 1927…
Read More