The Press: Revolt in Mississippi

For years—to all outward appearances—the two daily papers in Jackson, Miss. bitterly competed with each other. The afternoon News (circ. 41,361) was run by fire-breathing Fred Sullens, who liked to boast how he beat up his complainants, was once caned by former Governor Paul B. Johnson. He also liked to attack the morning Clarion-Ledger (circ. 47,396), owned by the Hederman family. But despite the appearance of editorial rivalry in the state capital, the two papers worked as one on business and advertising matters.

Both papers held a club over local businessmen by setting their ad...