C. Thompson Lang: Albuquerque Journal Publisher and Civic Leader Who Shaped Modern Albuquerque

From downtown's boom years to urban renewal, discover how publisher C.T. Lang guided the Journal and influenced the city's growth.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:07pm

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A close-up, high-contrast photograph of a polished, metallic printing press cylinder or printing plate, placed on a clean, monochromatic background, conveying the idea of a publishing pioneer's lasting impact on a growing city.A symbolic representation of C.T. Lang's legacy as a publishing innovator and civic leader who helped shape modern Albuquerque.Albuquerque Today

C. Thompson Lang, the publisher of the Albuquerque Journal from 1956 until his death in 1971, oversaw a period of rapid growth for both the newspaper and the city of Albuquerque. Under his leadership, the Journal's subscriptions increased significantly, and he was a behind-the-scenes force in the Albuquerque business community, working to improve many aspects of the city. Lang was also involved in the planning and construction of the Journal's headquarters at Seventh and Silver, and he was deeply involved in plans for a major expansion of the facility at the time of his death.

Why it matters

C.T. Lang's tenure as publisher of the Albuquerque Journal coincided with a transformative time for the city, as Albuquerque's population more than doubled and the downtown area underwent significant redevelopment. Lang played a key role in shaping the city's growth and development during this period, using the Journal to advocate for urban renewal and economic development initiatives.

The details

Under C.T. Lang's leadership, the Journal's subscriptions grew from just under 50,000 to 70,000 daily and 97,000 on Sundays. Lang was also heavily involved in the operations of the Albuquerque Publishing Company, overseeing the construction of the Seventh and Silver plant that housed the Journal and The Tribune, and ensuring that the newspapers were among the most modernly equipped in the country. Lang preferred to stay in the background, but he was a strong force in the Albuquerque business community, working to improve the city in various ways, including supporting the creation of the Albuquerque Industrial Development Service, which later became the Albuquerque Economic Development, Inc.

  • In 1956, C.T. Lang took over as publisher of the Albuquerque Journal after the unexpected death of his uncle, Thomas Pepperday.
  • During Lang's tenure as publisher, from 1956 to 1971, Albuquerque's population more than doubled, growing from 97,000 in 1950 to 244,000 in 1970.
  • In the 1960s, Albuquerque underwent a period of urban renewal, with the construction of landmarks like the University Arena (The Pit) and the Sandia Peak Tramway.
  • At the time of his death in 1971, C.T. Lang was deeply involved in plans for a new addition to the Journal's Seventh and Silver headquarters, designed to double the size of the newsroom and printing capacity.

The players

C. Thompson Lang

The publisher of the Albuquerque Journal from 1956 until his death in 1971, who oversaw a period of rapid growth for both the newspaper and the city of Albuquerque.

Thomas Pepperday

C.T. Lang's uncle, who was the previous publisher of the Albuquerque Journal and the Albuquerque Publishing Company.

William (Bill) Lang

C.T. Lang's younger son, who is the current publisher of the Albuquerque Journal.

Thompson H. Lang

C.T. Lang's oldest son, who succeeded his father as president and publisher of the Journal and Albuquerque Publishing Co. after his death.

Ray Hunter

An employee of the Albuquerque Journal from 1968 to 2007 in the mailroom and pressroom, who recalled C.T. Lang's hands-on involvement in the newspaper's operations.

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What they’re saying

“You know my dad came out of the World War II era, because he was a Merchant Marine. And of course, my dad came out of the Depression. So (that generation) had a really strong work ethic. He always worked Saturdays.”

— William (Bill) Lang, C.T. Lang's younger son and the current publisher of the Albuquerque Journal

“Mr. Lang's office had a door that opened to the pressroom. If he didn't hear the presses start on time, he would come in and push the button himself.”

— Ray Hunter, Albuquerque Journal employee from 1968 to 2007

“Mr. Lang would come down to get his paper on a holiday, Christmas or New Year's, and give us a bottle of champagne and he'd say: 'Be careful boys.'”

— Ray Hunter, Albuquerque Journal employee from 1968 to 2007

What’s next

At the time of his death, C.T. Lang was deeply involved in plans for a new addition to the Journal's Seventh and Silver headquarters, designed to double the size of the newsroom and printing capacity. The future of this expansion project is uncertain following Lang's passing.

The takeaway

C.T. Lang's tenure as publisher of the Albuquerque Journal was marked by his commitment to modernizing the newspaper's operations and his behind-the-scenes influence in shaping the growth and development of Albuquerque during a transformative period for the city. His legacy continues to impact the Journal and the community it serves.