Introduction to Delaware News Media
Delaware is the second smallest state in terms of area and the sixth least populous state in the US. The state has an important place in the country’s history as it was one of the 13 colonies that participated in the American Revolution. It was also the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, thereby becoming the first official state of the country.
Delaware officially became a state on 7th December 1787.
History of Print Media in Delaware
There are two different claims about the history of print media in Delaware. While one has substantial evidence to support its claim, the other one lacks it.
Let us have a look at the two different claims.
Wilmington Courant
According to some historians & media researchers in Delaware, the history of print media in Delaware can be traced back to the press that was opened in 1760 by a printer from Philadelphia named James Adams. They also claim that James Adams published the first newspaper of Delaware in 1961, called the Wilmington Courant from this press. The newspaper was short-lived and had to wind up its operations six months after it was launched.
There aren’t any available copies of the newspaper nor any substantial evidence to validate this claim.
The Delaware Gazette
As per available evidence and popular claims, The Delaware Gazette was the first authenticated newspaper published in Delaware. The newspaper was founded on 14th June 1785 and was published by Jacob Killen. Delaware Gazette was a weekly newspaper, and it remained in circulation until 1787. Jacob Killen sold the newspaper in 1787, and it continued to be in circulation under its new owners until 1799.
The other prominent newspapers that were in circulation in Delaware during the 18th century were Delaware Courant (1786), Wilmington Advertiser (1787), Delaware and Eastern-Shore Advertiser (1794), Wilmington Mercury (1798), Friend of the People (1799), Mirror of the Times (1796), and Wilmington Weekly Repository (1800).
As of 2020, there are about 20 newspapers in Delaware. Out of which 14 newspapers are circulated for free, and 8 Newspapers are paid circulation. Apart from the printed newspapers, there are a significant number of online news websites too.
In this article, we will have a look at the significant newspapers & news websites in Delaware.
If you are looking for information on US Newspapers, you can visit the article written by our experts.
The News Journal
The News Journal is a daily newspaper based in New Castle County, Delaware. The paper primarily covers news & updates concerning the New Castle County and updates on the Delaware General Assembly & the Delaware beaches.
History
The newspaper’s history dates back to the early 20th century and the two erstwhile newspapers The Morning News and The Evening Journal. These newspapers were owned by the Du Pont family, who later sold these newspapers to Gannet Co. Inc. in 1978. Following the acquisition, Gannet merged the two papers to form The News Journal in 1989.
As of 2019, The News Journal has an estimated circulation of 26,550 copies on weekdays & 39,375 copies on Sundays.
What do they cover?
The newspaper mainly focuses on reporting the news & updates concerning the New Castle County. The paper’s printed edition has separate sections for news, local & business, sports, life & classifieds. they also publish weeklies & magazines such as Innovate Delaware, Health (Tuesdays), Crossroads (Thursdays), 55 Hours (Fridays), Auto (Saturdays)
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper and the weekly magazines, The News Journal also operates a news website. The news website is regularly updated with the latest news & updates and is often cited as one of the most visited news websites.
Unlike the printed edition, most content on the website can be accessed for free. But there are some contents and features that are exclusive to paid subscribers.
Delmarva Now
Delmarva Now is a local newspaper in Delaware that is headquartered in Maryland. The paper has its Delaware office in Bethany Beach, and it is mainly focuses on reporting the local news & updates concerning Delaware.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, Delmarva Now has a strong online presence through its online news portal. There are dedicated sections on the website for news, sports, features, entertainment, business, national/world news, and obituaries. Paid subscribers can also access the E-Edition of the newspaper from their website.
Delmarva Now also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. Readers can choose to follow their social media handles for prompt updates.
Cape Gazette
Cape Gazette is a twice-weekly community newspaper published in Lewes, Delaware, on Tuesdays & Fridays. The newspaper, which was founded in 1993, primarily serves the Cape region in Delaware. As per the readership survey of 2017, it was estimated that Cape Gazette sells more than 23,000 copies each week.
Cape Gazette was an early bird when it came to setting foot on to the digital world. The official website of the paper, which also serves as an online news portal, was launched in 1998. As of 2020, the news website receives around 10,000 unique visitors a day.
Apart from these, the newspaper also has an active presence on various social media platforms. These social media handles are regularly updated with the latest news & updates.
Lewes ?Beach Paper
Lewes Beach Paper is a guide for the people visiting the serene beaches in Delaware Beaches. The Cape Gazette publishes it. Because the paper-primarily caters to the tourists, the printed edition is published on Thursdays from May to October.
Apart from the printed edition of the paper, they also have an online website. The website is updated around the year with the schedule of local events and other important updates. There are dedicated sections on the website for cuisines, events, farmers’ markets, history & maps. Lewes Beach Paper also has an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter.
Sussex County Post
Sussex County Post is a weekly newspaper that is published on Thursdays in Milford, Delaware. The newspaper mainly serves the Sussex county by offering comprehensive coverage of local news, sports, business, and community events. As of 2020, the paper is owned by the Independent Newsmedia Inc. The USA and has a circulation of 1,250 copies.
Milford Chronicle
Milford Chronicle is a weekly newspaper in Delaware covering the local news & updates from the Milford area. Apart from the paper’s printed edition, they also publish an e-edition which the readers can access from their official website. Milford Chronicle also has an active presence on various social media platforms.
Delaware State News
Delaware State News is a daily newspaper that is Headquartered in Dover, the state’s capital. The paper is primarily circulated in Downstate Delaware. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an e-edition. Paid subscribers can access the e-edition from their website.
Delaware State News Android App
Dover Post
Dover post is a weekly newspaper that is published in Dover, Delaware. The newspaper was founded in the year 1975 and is currently owned by Gannet Co. Inc. Being a regional newspaper, it covers the latest breaking news, sports, entertainment, and obituaries in Dover. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, it also owns an online news website.
Newark Post
Newark post is a weekly newspaper that is published in the city of Newark, Delaware. The newspaper covers all facets of local news, crime reports, updates, and information on the local schools and the University of Delaware. Apart from the weekly printed edition, they also publish an e-edition of the newspaper that can be accessed by the paid subscribers from their official website.
Middletown Transcript
Middletown Transcript is a weekly newspaper that is published on Thursdays in Middletown, Delaware. The newspaper primarily focuses on covering breaking news, sports, entertainment, and obituaries in southern New Castle county. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, Middletown Transcript also publishes an online website that users can access for free.
Coastal Point
Coastal Point is a local newspaper published on Fridays and distributed in Bethany Beach, Delaware. The newspaper was first launched on 2nd February 2004 and has since been a weekly newspaper. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an online news website which the readers can access for free.
The Hockessin Community News
The Hockessin Community News is a local newspaper serving Hockessin and Pike Creek in Delaware. The Gannett Company, Inc. owns the newspaper, and it covers the latest breaking news, sports, entertainment, and obituaries. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an online news website.
Sun Times (Smyrna/Clayton)
Sun Times is a local newspaper covering breaking news, sports, entertainment, and obituaries in Smyrna, Delaware. The history of the newspaper can be traced back to Delaware’s oldest newspaper, The Smyrna Times that was launched in 1854. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, Sun Times also publishes an online website and has an active presence on various social media platforms.
The Review
The Review is an independent student newspaper published by the students of the University of Delaware. The paper was first launched in 1882 as a monthly publication, but it was later converted into a weekly newspaper. The paper is published on Tuesdays during the academic years and is distributed for free inside the campus and around Newark.
Sussex Countian (Georgetown)
Sussex Countian is a weekly newspaper covering news, sports, and entertainment updates for central Sussex County, Delaware. The newspaper is published on Wednesdays while it has an online website that is regularly updated with important news & updates. The online website covers local news, national news, sports, obituaries, weather updates, classifieds, and so on.
Milford Beacon
Milford Beacon is a weekly newspaper published on Thursdays in southern Kent County/ northern Sussex County. The newspaper covers local updates on community, sports, and entertainment news happening in and around Milford, Lincoln, Harrington, and Houston. Apart from the printed edition of newspapers, they also publish an online news website.
Delaware Press Association
Delaware Press Association is an association of journalists, broadcasters, public relations specialists, graphic designers, photojournalists, educators, authors, poets, and freelancers. They are renowned for the seminars & workshops they conduct for media professionals.
Delaware Press Association (DPA) Online
Delaware Black (Newark)
Delaware Black is an online website serving the African-American community in Delaware. The website has dedicated sections for local, national & world news, entertainment & lifestyle. Apart from these, there are sections on the website to promote the growth of Black-Owned businesses and community organizations.
Conclusion
The newspaper business was once the most successful product in business history but not anymore. Companies that once thrived on the dual-income of advertising and subscriber revenue are now struggling to meet their ends. With the advent of social media platforms, most newspapers began losing a significant share of their advertising revenue. Subsequently, they also began facing a rapid decline in circulation.
Due to a decline in revenue, some of the major newspapers in Delaware have suspended their printed publications and switched to digital publishing. As per the research conducted by the University of North Carolina, it is estimated that almost 2,000 local newspapers in the US had to wind up their business due to a significant decline in revenue.
While the Media industry knows no bounds, we at MediaBuzz are working hard to provide comprehensive coverage of all the news sources. We are a team of professional writers with a knack for the trends in the world of journalism.
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- What are the top three newspapers in Delaware?
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- Are there any community newspapers in Delaware?
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- Are there any newspapers in Delaware that went bankrupt?
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