Publisher, Capital Gazette Communications, Inc.
1934-2006
Inducted into MDDC’s Hall of Fame in 2008. This article is based on information submitted at the time.
Philip Merrill was successful in so many venues, as a publisher, public servant, and philanthropist.
In 1968, Mr. Merrill purchased a struggling company that consisted on two newspapers, The Evening Capital, a daily with about 13,000 circulation, and the Maryland Gazette, a weekly with slightly more circulation. Through this vision and his leadership, the company has grown into Capital Gazette Communications, Inc. It publishes The Capital, now approaching 50,000 circulation seven days a week, the Maryland Gazette, over 30,000 twice weekly, and four weeklies, the Bowie-Blade News, the Crofton Crier, the West County Gazette, the South County Gazette, and other commercial interests.
Under his direction, Capital Gazette put out quality newspapers with a local focus. He believed in keeping public officials honest by uncovering corruption and incompetence, telling interesting stories about people, identifying and attempting to correct society ills and protecting the environment.
Merrill served in the State Department before embarking on his career as an entrepreneur. He re entered government service in various capacities over the last 30 years of his life, serving as counselor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Assistant Secretary General of NATO, and a member of the Defense Policy Board. He worked in the White House on national security affairs, and was chairman of the Export-Import Bank. In 1988, Merrill was awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Service, which is the highest award that the department can give to a civilian.
Merrill may have had his greatest impact as a philanthropist. Through the Capital Gazette Foundation and the Merrill Family Foundation, millions of dollars in donations have been made. Beneficiaries include:
- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, where Merrill was a board member for more than 25 years and the headquarters building is named in his honor.
- The University of Maryland College Park, home to the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
- The Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at Johns Hopkins University, which focuses on the role and nature of military force in world politics.
- The Merrill Presidential Scholarship programs at his alma mater Cornell University and the University of Maryland.