The Wisconsin Daily Newspaper League was founded in 1918 and incorporated on September 12, 1921. The articles of organization stated that the WDNL was founded to foster the interchange of ideas concerning the newspaper publishing business in Wisconsin and to encourage the use of Wisconsin newspapers as an advertising medium by non-resident and resident advertisers.
One of the primary activities of the league was the promotion of advertising in Wisconsin newspapers. The organization was a member of Wisconsin Markets, Inc., a group which promoted both local and national advertising dollars through a variety of publications and market campaigns. The league also kept abreast of laws and legislation affecting newspapers through the activities of a lobbyist, attorney W. Wade Boardman. Newsletters prepared by Boardman outlining pending bills and legislation, and a newsletter, The Bulletin, issued by the league's secretary were the major channels of communication.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a decline in WDNL activity. On August 14, 1975 a meeting was held in Oshkosh to discuss the proposed merge of WDNL with the newly-formed Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The proposal carried, and the WDNL dissolved September 30, 1975. Four members chosen by the WDNL were given seats on the board of directors of the new association.
