Emmett Dedmon began his newspaper career working in the editorial department of the Chicago Daily Times in 1940. He later worked for the Chicago Sun, and remained with the paper after the 1948 merger. At the Sun-Times, Dedmon served in various positions including foreign editor, book and drama critic, and managing editor before being appointed editor in 1965. In 1968, he was elected Vice President and Editorial Director of the Newspaper Division of Field Enterprises, and remained in that position until his retirement in 1978.

Materials include correspondence, office memos, and other documents pertaining to editorial matters at the Chicago Daily News and Chicago Sun Times, primarily during Dedmon's tenure as Vice President and Editorial Director of the Newspaper Division.