Darrow Tully
Encyclopedia
Darrow J. "Duke" Tully, is a former publisher of The Arizona Republic
and the Phoenix Gazette
newspapers, published in Phoenix
, Arizona
. Both were owned by Central Newspapers, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana
, at the time. Central Newspapers was founded by Eugene C. Pulliam
, grandfather of United States Vice President
Dan Quayle
.
. He attended undergraduate school at Purdue University
, receiving his BA in Journalism and English from Calumet College. He would later go on to receive an honorary PhD from the Calumet College of St. Joseph
.
, Central Newspapers Inc. and the Maritz Corporation. In 1956 he was named Vice President and General Manager of Knight-Ridder owned WDSM-TV-AM-FM in Duluth, Minnesota
, becoming the youngest CEO in broadcasting at the time. With Knight-Ridder he went on to become publisher of the Gary Post Tribune
(Gary, Indiana
), the Pasadena Star-News
and the Independent (Pasadena, California
), and The Wichita Eagle and Beacon
(Wichita, Kansas
).
Tully joined the San Francisco Newspaper Agency in 1975 (publisher of The San Francisco Chronicle and The San Francisco Examiner
) as president and general manager. In 1978 he joined Central Newspapers, Inc. as vice-president, publisher and general manager of the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Gazette
(Phoenix, Arizona
). In 1986 he joined Wick Communications, Inc. (Sierra Vista, Arizona
) and was involved in newspaper operations in North Dakota
, Montana
, California
and Arizona
. He became president, publisher and CEO of Beacon Communications, Inc. (a division of the Chronicle Publishing Company
) in 1991 and was responsible for the operations of thirteen daily and weekly newspapers in New England
. After participating in negotiations for the sale of Beacon to Fidelity Capital, he remained as a consultant to the Chronicle Publishing Company
for several years and became a consultant to the Maritz Corporation of St. Louis, Missouri
.
, and would speak publicly about his military service, his claims including service in the Korean
and Vietnam War
s. He also attended veteran's functions as a fellow member in uniform, ranked as a Colonel
, and was often invited as a Guest of Honor. By 1985, however, he was regretting and feeling the pressure of his claims, and started dropping not-so-subtle hints that he had never served in the military. Bill Shover, a Phoenix Newspapers Inc. executive, urged him to quietly get rid of his uniforms and to stop telling war stories, but Tully refused to stay quiet. Shover has since commented that "It's almost like he was trying to get caught."
District Attorney at the time who had been criticized by the Arizona Republic for taking a trip with his family at the taxpayer's expense, had been quietly investigating Tully's claim of military service. The story immediately created intense local media coverage and analysis for some time, particularly because it centered on one of the most powerful members of the local media and community. In the final analysis, however, it was generally concluded that the issue had no effect on the operation or content of the newspapers Tully oversaw.
, Tully was instrumental in helping John McCain
, the current United States Senator from Arizona
and the Republican Party
candidate in the 2008 U.S. presidential election
, enter politics. He has been credited with helping McCain win his first campaign for public office in 1982, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and his subsequent re-election in 1984. Mr. Tully is the Godfather
of Megan, McCain's first child with wife Cindy.
Distinguished Achievement Award, the Planned Parenthood Media Excellence Award, the Associated Press
/Northern Arizona University
Distinguished Journalist Award, the Anti-Defamation League
Torch of Liberty Award, the City of Hope Man of the Year Award, and the Who’s Who Historical Society Golden State Award. A frequent lecturer at numerous journalism/telecommunications universities including Columbia University
, University of Chicago
and the University of Kansas
, he was an avid defender of the First Amendment
.
Active in civic, charitable and arts activities, Tully served as a trustee, director or officer of the Arizona Ballet, Wichita Music Theater
, Phoenix Zoo
, Heard Museum
, University of Kansas
William Allen White Foundation
and Arizona State University
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
and was a frequent lecturer at The American Press Institute. An avid flier, he served two terms as Chairman of the Indiana Aeronautics Commission and holds a commercial pilot’s license with single engine sea, multi-engine land and instrument ratings.
Tully was a food and wine connoisseur and a Commandeur (20 years plus member) of La Chaine des Rottiseurs
, as well as an officer of the Tampa-Sun Coast chapter. United States President
Ronald Reagan
appointed him to serve on the Committee on Physical Fitness under Washington Redskins' Coach George Allen. He is also a biographee in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.
from Concord, Massachusetts
with his wife Victoria in 1992. He died on June 20, 2010, from complications of a stroke. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son, and four grandchildren.
The Arizona Republic
The Arizona Republic is a daily newspaper published in Phoenix. Circulated throughout Arizona, it is the state's largest newspaper. Since 2000, it has been owned by the Gannett newspaper chain. It was ranked tenth in US daily newspapers by circulation in 2007.-Early years:The newspaper was founded...
and the Phoenix Gazette
Phoenix Gazette
The Phoenix Gazette was a newspaper published in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. It was founded in 1881, and was known in its early years as the Phoenix Evening Gazette....
newspapers, published in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. Both were owned by Central Newspapers, Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, at the time. Central Newspapers was founded by Eugene C. Pulliam
Eugene C. Pulliam
Eugene Collins Pulliam was an American newspaper publisher and businessman who was the founder and longtime president of Central Newspapers Inc., a multi-billion dollar media corporation....
, grandfather of United States Vice President
Vice President of the United States
The Vice President of the United States is the holder of a public office created by the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people, through the Electoral College, to a four-year term...
Dan Quayle
Dan Quayle
James Danforth "Dan" Quayle served as the 44th Vice President of the United States, serving with President George H. W. Bush . He served as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator from the state of Indiana....
.
Early life
Tully was born on February 27, 1932 in Charleston, West VirginiaCharleston, West Virginia
Charleston is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers in Kanawha County. As of the 2010 census, it has a population of 51,400, and its metropolitan area 304,214. It is the county seat of Kanawha County.Early...
. He attended undergraduate school at Purdue University
Purdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
, receiving his BA in Journalism and English from Calumet College. He would later go on to receive an honorary PhD from the Calumet College of St. Joseph
Calumet College of St. Joseph
Calumet College of St. Joseph is a private college affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church through the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Its main campus is in Whiting, Indiana, with additional campuses located in Chicago, Illinois, and Merrillville, Indiana...
.
Career in Journalism
Tully had a forty plus year media management career encompassing newspapers, radio, television, direct mail and marketing and was associated with such media conglomerates as Knight-Ridder Inc., the Chronicle Publishing CompanyChronicle Publishing Company
The Chronicle Publishing Company was a print and broadcast media corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California that was in operation from 1865 until 2000...
, Central Newspapers Inc. and the Maritz Corporation. In 1956 he was named Vice President and General Manager of Knight-Ridder owned WDSM-TV-AM-FM in Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth is a port city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and is the county seat of Saint Louis County. The fourth largest city in Minnesota, Duluth had a total population of 86,265 in the 2010 census. Duluth is also the second largest city that is located on Lake Superior after Thunder Bay, Ontario,...
, becoming the youngest CEO in broadcasting at the time. With Knight-Ridder he went on to become publisher of the Gary Post Tribune
Post-Tribune
The Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana is a daily newspaper headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana, United States. It serves the Northwest Indiana region, and is owned by the Sun-Times Media Group.-History:...
(Gary, Indiana
Gary, Indiana
Gary is a city in Lake County, Indiana, United States. The city is in the southeastern portion of the Chicago metropolitan area and is 25 miles from downtown Chicago. The population is 80,294 at the 2010 census, making it the seventh-largest city in the state. It borders Lake Michigan and is known...
), the Pasadena Star-News
Pasadena Star-News
The Pasadena Star-News is the local daily newspaper for Pasadena, California. The Star-News is a member of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, since 1996. It is also part of the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group, along with the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and the Whittier Daily News.Ridder Newspapers...
and the Independent (Pasadena, California
Pasadena, California
Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
), and The Wichita Eagle and Beacon
The Wichita Eagle
The Wichita Eagle is a daily newspaper published in Wichita, Kansas. It is owned by The McClatchy Company, which publishes 31 other newspapers, including The Kansas City Star.It is the largest newspaper in Wichita, Kansas and the surrounding area....
(Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kansas.As of the 2010 census, the city population was 382,368. Located in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River, Wichita is the county seat of Sedgwick County and the principal city of the Wichita metropolitan area...
).
Tully joined the San Francisco Newspaper Agency in 1975 (publisher of The San Francisco Chronicle and The San Francisco Examiner
The San Francisco Examiner
The San Francisco Examiner is a U.S. daily newspaper. It has been published continuously in San Francisco, California, since the late 19th century.-19th century:...
) as president and general manager. In 1978 he joined Central Newspapers, Inc. as vice-president, publisher and general manager of the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Gazette
Phoenix Gazette
The Phoenix Gazette was a newspaper published in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. It was founded in 1881, and was known in its early years as the Phoenix Evening Gazette....
(Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
). In 1986 he joined Wick Communications, Inc. (Sierra Vista, Arizona
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Sierra Vista is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States. According to 2007 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 43,044....
) and was involved in newspaper operations in North Dakota
North Dakota
North Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S....
, Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. He became president, publisher and CEO of Beacon Communications, Inc. (a division of the Chronicle Publishing Company
Chronicle Publishing Company
The Chronicle Publishing Company was a print and broadcast media corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California that was in operation from 1865 until 2000...
) in 1991 and was responsible for the operations of thirteen daily and weekly newspapers in New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
. After participating in negotiations for the sale of Beacon to Fidelity Capital, he remained as a consultant to the Chronicle Publishing Company
Chronicle Publishing Company
The Chronicle Publishing Company was a print and broadcast media corporation headquartered in San Francisco, California that was in operation from 1865 until 2000...
for several years and became a consultant to the Maritz Corporation of St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
.
Claim of Military Service
Tully falsely claimed to be a veteran of the United States Air ForceUnited States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, and would speak publicly about his military service, his claims including service in the Korean
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
and Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
s. He also attended veteran's functions as a fellow member in uniform, ranked as a Colonel
Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, colonel is a senior field grade military officer rank just above the rank of lieutenant colonel and just below the rank of brigadier general...
, and was often invited as a Guest of Honor. By 1985, however, he was regretting and feeling the pressure of his claims, and started dropping not-so-subtle hints that he had never served in the military. Bill Shover, a Phoenix Newspapers Inc. executive, urged him to quietly get rid of his uniforms and to stop telling war stories, but Tully refused to stay quiet. Shover has since commented that "It's almost like he was trying to get caught."
Resignation from Central Newspapers, Inc.
Just prior to Christmas 1985, Tully suddenly and unexpectedly resigned. It was then publicly revealed that Tom Collins, the Maricopa CountyMaricopa County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*73.0% White*5.0% Black*2.1% Native American*3.5% Asian*0.2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.5% Two or more races*12.7% Other races*29.6% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
District Attorney at the time who had been criticized by the Arizona Republic for taking a trip with his family at the taxpayer's expense, had been quietly investigating Tully's claim of military service. The story immediately created intense local media coverage and analysis for some time, particularly because it centered on one of the most powerful members of the local media and community. In the final analysis, however, it was generally concluded that the issue had no effect on the operation or content of the newspapers Tully oversaw.
A Lasting Impression
In his role as Publisher of the two daily newspapers in PhoenixPhoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, Tully was instrumental in helping John McCain
John McCain
John Sidney McCain III is the senior United States Senator from Arizona. He was the Republican nominee for president in the 2008 United States election....
, the current United States Senator from Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
and the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
candidate in the 2008 U.S. presidential election
United States presidential election, 2008
The United States presidential election of 2008 was the 56th quadrennial presidential election. It was held on November 4, 2008. Democrat Barack Obama, then the junior United States Senator from Illinois, defeated Republican John McCain, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona. Obama received 365...
, enter politics. He has been credited with helping McCain win his first campaign for public office in 1982, when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, and his subsequent re-election in 1984. Mr. Tully is the Godfather
Godparent
A godparent, in many denominations of Christianity, is someone who sponsors a child's baptism. A male godparent is a godfather, and a female godparent is a godmother...
of Megan, McCain's first child with wife Cindy.
Awards and Charities
Tully was awarded numerous writing and public service awards during his career, including the Arizona State UniversityArizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
Distinguished Achievement Award, the Planned Parenthood Media Excellence Award, the Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
/Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is a public university located in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and has 39 satellite campuses in the state of Arizona. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.As of...
Distinguished Journalist Award, the Anti-Defamation League
Anti-Defamation League
The Anti-Defamation League is an international non-governmental organization based in the United States. Describing itself as "the nation's premier civil rights/human relations agency", the ADL states that it "fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects...
Torch of Liberty Award, the City of Hope Man of the Year Award, and the Who’s Who Historical Society Golden State Award. A frequent lecturer at numerous journalism/telecommunications universities including Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
, University of Chicago
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It was founded by the American Baptist Education Society with a donation from oil magnate and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller and incorporated in 1890...
and the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...
, he was an avid defender of the First Amendment
First Amendment to the United States Constitution
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights. The amendment prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering...
.
Active in civic, charitable and arts activities, Tully served as a trustee, director or officer of the Arizona Ballet, Wichita Music Theater
Music Theatre of Wichita
Music Theatre of Wichita is the major performing arts company in the city of Wichita. Music Theatre of Wichita has been around since the early seventies and has premiered many shows in the state of Kansas. Many famous stars, including Tad Hilgenbrink and Kristin Chenoweth have performed onstage...
, Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and is the largest non-profit zoo in the United States. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, the zoo was founded by Robert Maytag, a member of the Maytag family, and operates on of land in the Papago Park area of Phoenix. It has been designated as a Phoenix Point of...
, Heard Museum
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art is a museum located in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. There is also the Heard Museum North Scottsdale branch in Scottsdale and the Heard Museum West branch in Surprise....
, University of Kansas
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...
William Allen White Foundation
William Allen White
William Allen White was a renowned American newspaper editor, politician, author, and leader of the Progressive movement...
and Arizona State University
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university located in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area of the State of Arizona...
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication , is one of the 24 independent schools at Arizona State University and named in honor of veteran broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite...
and was a frequent lecturer at The American Press Institute. An avid flier, he served two terms as Chairman of the Indiana Aeronautics Commission and holds a commercial pilot’s license with single engine sea, multi-engine land and instrument ratings.
Tully was a food and wine connoisseur and a Commandeur (20 years plus member) of La Chaine des Rottiseurs
Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950. The Chaîne is based on the traditions and practices of the old French royal guild of goose roasters, whose authority gradually expanded to the roasting of all poultry, meat and game...
, as well as an officer of the Tampa-Sun Coast chapter. United States President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Wilson Reagan was the 40th President of the United States , the 33rd Governor of California and, prior to that, a radio, film and television actor....
appointed him to serve on the Committee on Physical Fitness under Washington Redskins' Coach George Allen. He is also a biographee in Marquis’ Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.
Later life
Tully moved to Tampa, FloridaTampa, Florida
Tampa is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It serves as the county seat for Hillsborough County. Tampa is located on the west coast of Florida. The population of Tampa in 2010 was 335,709....
from Concord, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts
Concord is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the town population was 17,668. Although a small town, Concord is noted for its leading roles in American history and literature.-History:...
with his wife Victoria in 1992. He died on June 20, 2010, from complications of a stroke. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son, and four grandchildren.