Historical Newspapers: Louisville Courier Journal (1830 - 2000) This link opens in a new windowAward-winning in-depth coverage of the pivotal people and events who shaped the local region, and made an impact on the rest of the world. In the early decades of the 20th century, the Courier-Journal became a forum for conflict when it was purchased by liberal Robert Worth Bingham whose views clashed with the longtime conservative editor, Henry Watterson. The paper went on to become a progressive voice in southern politics, championing causes such as public education, equal rights for blacks and advocating for the poor of Appalachia.