The "Journal" editorial pages and columns, run separately from the news pages, have a conservative bent and are highly influential in conservative circles. Despite this, the "Journal" refrains from endorsing candidates and has not endorsed a candidate since 1928. As editors of the editorial page, Vermont C. Royster (served 1958–1971) and Robert L. Bartley (served 1972–2000) were especially influential in providing a conservative interpretation of the news on a daily basis. Some of the "Journal" former reporters claim that the paper has adopted a more conservative tone since Rupert Murdoch's purchase.