Edward W. Estlow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward W. Estlow
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Estlow circa 1982
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| Born |
Edward Walker Estlow
March 20, 1920 |
| Died | May 9, 2015 (aged 95) Denver, Colorado, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Denver |
| Occupation | Journalist, businessman |
| Spouse(s) | Charlotte Estlow |
| Children | 4 |
Edward Walker Estlow (March 20, 1920 – May 9, 2015) was an American journalist and a successful businessman. He is best known for being the chief executive officer (CEO) of the E. W. Scripps Company from 1976 to 1985. A CEO is the top boss of a company.
Two important places were named after him: The Edward W. and Charlotte A. Estlow International Center for Journalism and New Media at the University of Denver, and the Edward Estlow Printing Plant in Denver. Before becoming a famous businessman, Estlow was also a talented college football player.
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Early Life and Football Star
Edward Estlow was born in Snyder, Colorado in 1920. He went to the University of Denver from 1939 to 1942. While there, he became a football star.
He still holds the University of Denver's record for the most yards gained in a single game. He ran for 172 yards against the Wyoming Cowboys! He also had one of the longest runs in the team's history, a 61-yard dash.
In 1941, his teammates voted him the Most Valuable Player. He was also recognized as one of the best running backs in the Skyline Conference. Estlow scored eight touchdowns during his college career. He was also a great student, earning an academic scholarship throughout his time at the university.
A Career in News
Estlow started his career as a reporter for the Rocky Mountain News newspaper. He worked hard and moved up in the company. Eventually, he became the Business Manager for the newspaper's owners, the E.W. Scripps Company.
In 1976, Edward Estlow made history. He became the first CEO of the Scripps Company who was not part of the Scripps or Howard families. This was a big deal!
As CEO, Estlow helped the company grow. He made it possible for employees to own shares in the company. This meant they could share in the company's success. He also helped newspapers work together to save money. This was important because many newspapers were struggling to make a profit. He believed that if newspapers shared things like advertising departments, they could stay open.
For example, he helped The Cincinnati Post and The Cincinnati Enquirer work together. He said it was better for them to share resources than for one newspaper to close down. He retired from Scripps in 1985.
Edward W. Estlow Printing Plant
The Edward W. Estlow Printing Plant in Denver was a huge project. The Denver Newspaper Agency spent $100 million to make it a super modern printing facility.
This plant has five new printing presses and advanced computer equipment. It also has a smart system to store and move paper. The plant started working in late 2006. It printed both the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News. The Rocky Mountain News later closed in 2009.
Estlow Center for Journalism
Edward Estlow cared a lot about his old university. He joined the Board of Trustees at the University of Denver in 1976. Before that, he was president of the Alumni Association.
When he retired in 1985, the E.W. Scripps Company created a special fund in his honor. In 1992, the University of Denver used this fund to start the Edward W. Estlow Lecture. Each year, a famous journalist is invited to speak to students.
In 1997, the Anvil of Freedom Award was created. This award honors the guest speaker for their strong belief in the First Amendment. The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and the press. Many important journalists have received this award.
In 2000, Edward and his wife Charlotte worked with the university to create the Edward W. Estlow International Center for Journalism and New Media. This center still hosts the annual award event. It also helps students research the future of news and how digital media affects our lives.
Family Life
Edward Estlow and his wife Charlotte had four children: Susan, Nancy, Sally, and Mary Ann. His grandson, Andrew E. Hawes, also went to the University of Denver. Edward Estlow passed away in Denver in 2015.
