Detroit Free Press | 14,123 followers on LinkedIn. On Guard Since 1831. | The Detroit Free Press is the oldest company in the State of Michigan, yet publishes new content as it is happening. We do that with the largest newsgathering staff in the state and some of the best technology for gathering and posting text, photos and video. One of the Free Press' first editorial campaigns was for Michigan to become a state, which it did in 1837.