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Chicago newspapers and Chicago newspaper list

Introduction to Chicago News Media

Chicago is the most populous city in Illinois and the third most populous city after New York City and Los Angeles in the United States. In 2019, the population of Chicago was estimated at 2,693,976 and is an important market for newspapers.

Media in Chicago

Chicago has the third-largest network of media in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles. All the big four media outlets of America — CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox — have their offices in Chicago. Some of the world’s most prominent talk shows like The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Rosie Show, Steve Harvey Show, The Jerry Springer Show, The Jenny Jones Show and The Phil Donahue Show were produced in Chicago.

History of Chicago Newspapers

Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times are among the two most popular newspapers published in Chicago. Chicago Tribune enjoys the majority of readership in the city. The city also has a wide network of regional newspapers and special-interest magazines like Chicago, Draugas, Związkowy, The Chicago Reader, The Chicago Defender, The Southtown Star, The Daily Herald, Windy City Times, StreetWise, and Newcity.

Time Out Chicago and GRAB magazine are the two publications that are known for the coverage of news related to entertainment and culture. Chicago Inner view is the local music magazine published in the city. Satirical national news website The Onion and pop-culture magazine The A.V. Club are also based in Chicago.

The First Newspaper in Chicago

Chicago Weekly Democrat was the first newspaper of Chicago. It was launched by John Calhoun in 1833, though after three years, a local politician, Long John Wentworth, bought the newspaper company. He converted Chicago Weekly Democrat to a morning daily in 1840.

Now that we have had a look at the history of Chicago newspapers & news websites, let’s have a look at the prominent newspapers in Chicago.

Chicago Tribune

Chicago Newspapers 01 Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune is a daily newspaper based in Chicago owned by Tribune Publishing. Established in 1847 by James Kelly, John E. Wheeler and Joseph K. C. Forrest, the paper is currently circulated across the state and is the largest newspaper in Illinois in terms of circulation.

History

As said, the Chicago Tribune first hit the newsstands on June 10, 1847, and was quick to gain popularity. Though it was established as a non-partisan newspaper, it later went on to be politically biased towards the Whig or Free-Soil parties against the Democrats in elections.

Today it is a leading publication in the state with a daily circulation of 448,930 copies, 331,910 copies on Saturdays, and 853,324 copies on Sundays (as of 2013).

What do they publish?

  • A daily printed edition of the newspaper that is circulated across Illinois.
  • An online news website with dedicated sections for breaking news, business, sports, weather, opinion, classifieds and more.
  • An e-edition of the newspaper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers from the website.

Apart from these, the Chicago Tribune also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. Readers can choose to follow these pages for prompt updates.

Chicago Newspapers 01 Chicago Tribune Website

Chicago Tribune Online

Chicago Tribune ePaper

Chicago Tribune Android App

Chicago Tribune iOS App

Daily Southtown

Chicago Newspapers 02 Southtown Star

Daily Southtown is a daily newspaper in Chicago owned and operated by Chicago Tribune Media Group. It is a sister publication of the Chicago Tribune and is primarily circulated in the south suburbs and the South Side neighbourhoods of Illinois.

History

The newspaper was first established in 1906 as the Englewood Economist and it was a weekly publication. It was quick to gain popularity owing to which it was published twice a week and renamed to Southtown Economist.

Over the years, the paper has undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions until it was renamed Daily Southtown in 1978 and was converted to a daily newspaper. The paper was later acquired by the Chicago Tribune Media Group in 2014 and has been published by them ever since.

What do they publish?

  • A daily printed edition of the newspaper that is circulated in the south suburbs and the South Side neighbourhoods of Illinois.
  • An online news website that is hosted along with the Chicago Tribune. The website is primarily focussed on reporting the news and updates from the south suburbs and the South Side neighbourhoods of Illinois.
Chicago Newspapers 02 Southtown Star Website

SouthtownStar Online

SouthtownStar Android App

SouthtownStar iOS App

Naperville Sun

Chicago Newspapers 03 Naperville Sun

Naperville Sun is a tri-weekly newspaper in Illinois owned by Chicago Tribune Media Group. It is a sister publication of the Chicago Tribune and is primarily circulated in the western suburbs of Chicago, in Illinois.

History

Contrary to the popular belief, the history of Naperville Sun dates back to 1935 and the newspaper, The Sun. The Sun was unsuccessful to generate enough revenue to keep their business afloat and by the end of 1935, their revenue deficit forced them to wind up their operation.

It was then Harold White and Gordon Haist bought The Sun for $600 and renamed the paper to The Naperville Sun. Since then, the paper has undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions until Chicago Tribune Media Group acquired the paper in 2014.

What do they publish?

  • A printed edition of the paper is circulated three days a week, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
  • An online news website that is hosted along with the Chicago Tribune with dedicated sections for headlines, latest news, local news, headlines, and more.
Chicago Newspapers 03 Naperville Sun Website

Naperville Sun Online

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Newspapers 04 The Chicago Sun Times

Chicago Sun-Times is a daily newspaper in Illinois primarily circulated in Chicago. Established in 1948, the paper is currently owned by Sun-Times Investment Holdings and is a prominent newspaper in the state. As of 2018, Chicago Sun-Times had a daily circulation of 120,000 copies.

History

Though the newspaper as we see it today was established in 1948, it’s history can be traced back to the newspaper Chicago Daily Journal. It was a weekly publication that later evolved to become the Chicago Sun-Times. Owing to which Chicago Sun-Times is often considered to be the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in Chicago.

What do they publish?

  • A daily newspaper with a circulation of 120,000 copies catering to the residents of Chicago.
  • An online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, politics, entertainment, classifieds and more.
  • An e-edition of the newspaper, access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.

Apart from these, Chicago Sun-Times also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. Readers can also choose to follow these pages for regular updates.

Chicago Newspapers 04 The Chicago Sun Times Website

Chicago Sun-Times Online

Chicago Sun-Times ePaper

Chicago Sun-Times Android App

Chicago Sun-Times iOS App

Daily Herald

Chicago Newspapers 05 Daily Herald

Daily Herald is a daily newspaper in Chicago catering to the residents of Arlington Heights & northern, northwestern and western suburbs of Chicago. The paper was established in 1872 and it remained to be a family-owned business until it was sold to its employees.

History

As said the paper was established in 1872 as the Cook County Herald and was established to cater to the needs of the northwestern portion of Cook County. In 1889 Hosea C. Paddock acquired the newspaper and later renamed it Arlington Heights Herald. Over the years, the paper underwent a series of mergers and acquisitions before it was renamed to Daily Herald and it is today a leading newspaper in the state.

What do they publish?

  • A daily printed edition of the paper with a daily circulation of 94,208 copies & 100,658 copies on Sundays (as of 2016)
  • An online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, opinion, obituaries, business, entertainment, latest news, and more.
  • An e-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers from the website.

Daily Herald also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter and readers can choose to follow these pages for regular updates.

Chicago Newspapers 05 Daily Herald Website

Daily Herald Online

Daily Herald ePaper

Daily Herald Android App

Daily Herald iOS App

Crain’s Chicago Business

Chicago Newspapers 06 Crain’s Chicago Business

Crain’s Chicago Business, as the name suggests is a business newspaper that is published weekly in Chicago. The paper was established in 1978 and it today covers news and updates about start-ups, real estate, politics, dining, and others. Crain Communications own the newspaper and apart from the weekly newspaper they also publish more than 30 magazines in tandem.

History

The newspaper was established in 1978 by Rance Crain, Communications chief at Crain Communications. It first hit the newsstands the same year on April 17th. It was initially launched as a bi-weekly news publication and was later converted to a weekly newspaper following the shutdown of the newspaper Chicago Daily News that created a market for Chicago Daily News.

What do they publish?

  • A weekly printed edition of the newspaper that is circulated across Chicago. As per the readership survey of 2016, the paper had a readership of 219,693 per week.
  • An online news website that is regularly updated with the latest news and information. There are dedicated sections on the website for news & updates, politics, opinion, lifestyle, real estate, and more.
  • A digital edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers from the website.
Chicago Newspapers 06 Crain’s Chicago Business Website

Crain’s Chicago Business Online

Crain’s Chicago Business Android App

Crain’s Chicago Business iOS App

Chicago Reader

Chicago Newspapers 07 Chicago Reader

Chicago Reader is an alternative weekly in Chicago founded by a group of friends from Carleton College. It was established in 1971 and has over the years grown to be recognized as a pioneer among alternative weeklies. The paper is known among the readers for its literary style of journalism and coverage of the arts, particularly film and theatre.

Other than the printed edition of the newspaper, Chicago Reader also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for city life, news & politics, columns, music, arts & culture and more.

Chicago Newspapers 07 Chicago Reader Website

Chicago Reader Online

Northwest Herald

Chicago Newspapers 08 The Northwest Herald

Northwest Herald is a daily local newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of the northwest suburbs of Chicago, including all of McHenry County and northern Kane County. The paper was established in 1985 and is currently owned by Shaw media & has a daily circulation of 21,500 copies.

Chicago Newspapers 08 The Northwest Herald Website

Northwest Herald Online

Northwest Herald ePaper

The Chicago Maroon

Chicago Newspapers 09 The Chicago Maroon

The Chicago Maroon is a weekly newspaper in Chicago published by the students of the University of Chicago. Established in 1892, the paper is published on Wednesdays during autumn, winter, and spring quarters of the academic year. Other than the weekly printed edition, The Chicago Maroon also publishes an online news website.

Chicago Newspapers 09 The Chicago Maroon Website

The Chicago Maroon Online

La Raza

Chicago Newspapers 10 La Raza

La Raza is a Spanish daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the Hispanic community in the state. The paper was established in the 1970s and has since been published on Sundays. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website with dedicated sections for local news, opinion, classifieds & more.

Chicago Newspapers 10 La Raza Website

La Raza Online

Dziennik Związkowy

Chicago Newspapers 11 Dziennik Związkowy

Dziennik Związkowy is a Polish daily newspaper in the United States. The newspaper is based out of Chicago and was established in 1908. Since its inception, the paper has been catering to the Polish community in the united states. Other than the daily printed edition, Dziennik Związkowy also publishes an online news website.

Chicago Newspapers 11 Dziennik Związkowy Website

Dziennik Związkowy Online

The Chicago Defender

Chicago Newspapers 12 Chicago Defender

The Chicago Defender is a daily newspaper in Chicago catering to the African-American community. The paper was established in 1905 and has over the years grown to be a prominent news publication in the state. Other than the daily printed edition they also publish an online news website.

Chicago Newspapers 12 Chicago Defender Website

The Chicago Defender Online

Sanghamam

The Sanghamam is a newspaper in the Malayalam language catering to the people from the Indian state of Kerala in the United States. The paper has four editions in the states one each from Chicago, New York, Texas & Toronto. Other than the printed edition, they also publish an online news website.

Chicago Newspapers 13 Sanghamam Website

Sanghamam Online

Sanghamam ePaper

South Side Weekly 

Chicago Newspapers 14 South Side Weekly

South Side Weekly is an alternative newspaper based in Woodlawn on the South Side of Chicago. The paper was established in 1995 as the Chicago Weekly News and was later renamed South Side Weekly. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website which readers can access for free.

Chicago Newspapers 14 South Side Weekly Website

South Side Weekly Online

Loyola Phoenix

Chicago Newspapers 15 Loyola

Loyola Phoenix is a weekly newspaper in Chicago published by the students of Loyola University Chicago in Chicago. The paper was established in 1952 and has since been covering news & updates from the university and its surroundings. Other than the printed edition, they also publish an online news website.

Chicago Newspapers 15 Loyola Phoenix Website

Loyola Phoenix Online

Windy City Times

Chicago Newspapers 16 Windy City Times

Windy City Times is a weekly newspaper in Chicago catering to its LGBT community. The paper was found in the year 1985 by Jeff McCourt, Bob Bearden, Drew Badanish and Tracy Baim. It was initially a bi-weekly publication which was later converted to a weekly newspaper.

Chicago Newspapers 16 Windy City Times Website

Windy City Times Online

Windy City Times Android App

Windy City Times iOS App

Columbia Chronicle

Chicago Newspapers 17 Columbia Chronicle

Columbia Chronicle is an award-winning student newspaper published by the students at Columbia College Chicago. The paper is published on Mondays during the Fall and Spring semesters. It mainly covers news & information about the university and is circulated inside the university & among the ​readers in the South Loop of Chicago.​

Chicago Newspapers 17 Columbia Chronicle Website

Columbia Chronicle Online

Hyde Park Herald

Chicago Newspapers 18 Hyde Park Herald

The Hyde Park Herald is a weekly newspaper in Chicago catering to the residents in the Hyde Park neighbourhood. The paper was established in 1882 as a suburban newspaper covering affairs in an independent unit of local government and was later converted to a weekly publication

Chicago Newspapers 18 Hyde Park Herald Website

Hyde Park Herald Online

Austin Weekly News

Chicago Newspapers 19 Austin Weekly News

Austin Weekly News is a weekly newspaper in Chicago catering to the residents of Austin. Apart from the weekly printed edition, they also publish an online news website with dedicated sections for news, opinion, classifieds, and community news.

Chicago Newspapers 19 Austin Weekly News Website

Austin Weekly News Online

Tech News

Chicago Newspapers 20 Tech News

Tech News is a weekly independent student newspaper published by the students at the Illinois Institute of Technology. The paper was established in 1928 and has since been catering to the tech community in Illinois. Other than the weekly printed edition, Tech News also publishes an online news website.

Chicago Newspapers 20 Tech News Website

Beverly Review

Chicago Newspapers 21 Beverly Review

Beverly Review is a weekly newspaper in Chicago catering to the neighbourhoods of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park and Mt. Greenwood. They also publish an online news website that is frequently updated with the latest news & updates.

Chicago Newspapers 21 Beverly Review Website

Beverly Review Online

Beverly Review ePaper

North Lawndale Community News

Chicago Newspapers 22 North Lawndale Community News

North Lawndale Community News is a weekly community newspaper in Chicago catering to the North Lawndale neighbourhood. Established in 1999 by a group of North Lawndale residents, it is a prominent community newspaper in Chicago. Apart from the weekly printed edition, they also publish an online news website.

North Lawndale Community News Online

Irish American News

Chicago Newspapers 23 Irish American News

Irish American News is a monthly newspaper in Chicago catering to the Irish American community in Chicago. The paper has been in circulation for the past 40 years and is a prominent community newspaper in Chicago. Other than the monthly printed edition they also publish an online news website and also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.

Chicago Newspapers 23 Irish American News Website

Irish American News Online

Irish American News ePaper

Conclusion

With a population of 2,695,598 (as of 2010), Chicago is the third-most populous city in the United

States and the third-largest market for newspapers. As of 2021, 41 newspapers are circulated in Chicago. Out of which Chicago Tribune, is the largest newspaper in terms of circulation.

Similar to the other newspapers in the US, Chicago Newspapers too are facing a steep decline in circulation and revenue from ads. With social media platforms offering a much better deal in advertisements, revenue from advertisements for newspapers have hit an all-time low. In a desperate attempt to stay afloat, most papers have either merged with others or have shifted to digital publication.

While the Media industry knows no bounds, we at MediaBuzz are working hard to provide comprehensive coverage of all the news sources in America. We are a team of professional writers with a close eye for the updates happening in the world of journalism.

We can do a lot more with your support!

Can you spare a few minutes to help us find the answers?

  • What are the top three newspapers in Chicago?
  • How do you think the local newspapers are doing in Chicago?
  • How has the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the newspaper business in Chicago?
  • Did we miss any deserving newspaper or news website?
  • Are there any newspapers in Chicago exclusively for business, entertainment, and sports news?
  • Which newspaper do you read from the above list?
  • Which is the best community newspaper in Chicago?
  • Do you have any other information for us related to newspapers in Chicago?
  • Is there any particular newspaper that caught your attention?

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