Introduction to Idaho News Media
Introduction:
Idaho is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is the 14th largest state in the country with a geographical land area of 216,440 sq. Km and an estimated population of 1.7 million people (based on the 2019 US population estimate). Because of its population, Idaho has become a major market for many newspapers & news websites.
It is interesting to note that the history of the press in Idaho dates back to 1839, long before Idaho was officially declared a state in the 1890s.
First Press in Idaho:
The first press in present-day Idaho was located in Lapwai, and it was run by a pressman named Edwin Oscar Hall, a lay minister. Oscar Hall set up the press on May 16, 1839, and within a week he had printed four hundred copies of an 8-page book.
This book is marked as the first material to be printed in Idaho!
The Early Newspapers in Idaho
Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman
Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman, founded in the year 1864, was the first newspaper to be published in the state. It was a group of business leaders in erstwhile Idaho who first felt the need for an independent newspaper for their flourishing city. These businessmen later brought in a printer named James S. Reynolds, who later went on to become the founder of Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman.
Reynolds published the newspaper for almost eight years until he sold it to Judge Milton Kelly in 1872. The paper thrived under Kelly’s leadership, and it was converted to a daily newspaper in 1888, making it the first daily newspaper in the state.
Idaho News
The second newspaper to be published in the state was the Idaho News. Idaho News was a weekly published by John W. Jones, a decorated Civil War veteran from Virginia. He first published the newspaper on June 11, 1887, in the town of Blackfoot, Idaho, and the paper covered the Idaho communities of Pocatello, Boise, Hailey, and Utah, and Nevada.
Jones later changed the name of the newspaper to Blackfoot News in 1891 and the paper remained a supporter of the Democratic party and their ideologies. Blackfoot News continued to be in circulation until 1902.
It is estimated that there are about 750 newspapers that have been published in Idaho till date.
The other prominent newspapers in Idaho during the early 20th century were The Idaho Republic (1904 – 1932), The Blackfoot Optimist (1907 – 1918), The Bingham County news (1918 – 1930), Evening Capital News (1901 – 1927), etc.
As of 2020, there are more than 125 newspapers & news websites in Idaho that are in circulation. In this article, we will look at some of the prominent newspapers & news websites in Idaho.
Spokesman Review
Spokesman Review is a daily newspaper that is originally based out of Spokane in Washington state. The newspaper was founded in 1894 by merging the two erstwhile newspapers Spokane Falls Review and The Spokesman. It published three separate editions: a metro edition covering Spokane and the outlying areas, a Spokane Valley edition, and an Idaho edition covering northern Idaho.
Downsizing of the newsroom & combing the three editions
Due to declining revenue, the Cowles Company, which owned the paper, decided to downsize its newsroom staff in November 2007. Following which the paper merged the three editions to publish a single edition with a dedicated section for local news & updates called the “local voices.” The section catering to the readers in Idaho is called the Valley Voices.
As per the report of the Audit Bureau of Circulations 2010, Spokesman Review has a daily circulation of 76,291 copies on weekdays and 95,939 copies on Sundays.
Online presence
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an online news website. Readers can access the Washington & Idaho edition of the newspaper for free from the website. The website is updated with the latest news & updates from Idaho and has dedicated sections for the latest headlines, most-read stories, sports, arts & entertainment & weather.
While most contents on the website are available for free, certain features such as the e-edition can only be accessed by paid subscribers.
The Weekly Mailer
The Weekly Mailer, as the name suggests, is a weekly newspaper serving the Minidoka & Cassia counties in South-Central Idaho. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also have an online website. Unlike the printed edition of the paper, the website is regularly updated with important news & highlights.
The Weekly Mailer also publishes an e-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers.
Post-Register
Post Register is a daily newspaper serving the Idaho Falls region in Idaho, Jackson city in Wyoming, and West Yellowstone in Montana. The newspaper’s history can be traced back to the two erstwhile newspapers Times Register and The Daily Post which were merged to form the Post Register. As of 2020, the newspaper is owned by the Adams Publishing Group and has a circulation of 26,000 copies.
The Idaho edition of the newspaper primarily caters to the readers in Eastern Idaho. It also serves as the primary source for news, sports, opinion, weather updates, and breaking news. Apart from the printed edition, Post Register also has a strong presence on the web & social media platforms.
Idaho State Journal
Idaho State Journal is a daily newspaper in Idaho. It primarily serves the state’s south-eastern regions, including Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Power, and Oneida counties. The newspaper’s history dates back to 1890 when it was first launched as a political publication named Pocatello Tribune.
Over the years, the newspaper underwent several mergers and acquisitions until the Adams Publishing group bought it in 2007. As of 2020, the paper is estimated to have a daily circulation of 17,116 copies and 17,825 copies on Sundays.
The printed edition of the paper and its online website covers news, sports, arts and entertainment, opinions, classifieds, obituaries, and many more.
Idaho State Journal Android App
The Times News
The Times Newsis a daily newspaper in Idaho serving the Twin Falls county. It was founded in the year 1904 as the Twin Falls Weekly News. Over the years, the newspaper underwent several mergers and acquisitions until Lee Enterprises bought it. As of 2020, it is estimated that the paper has a circulation of 19,431 on weekdays and 21,059 on Sundays.
The paper primarily covers news, sports, weather updates, entertainment news and is circulated throughout the Magic Valley region of south-central Idaho. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an online website and an e-edition. While most contents on the website are free, only paid subscribers can access the e-edition of the paper.
South Idaho Press
South Idaho Press was once a daily newspaper that served Minidoka and Cassia counties in Idaho. The newspaper was first launched in 1904 as the Burley Bulletin. The paper continued to be in circulation until 2007 when the paper merged with Times-News in August 2008. Dwindling circulation was the primary reason for the merger of the newspaper.
After the merger, the printing operation of South Idaho Press was ceased, and their website, too, was merged with Times-News.
Coeur d’Alene Press
Coeur d’Alene Press is a daily community newspaper in Idaho, serving the Coeur d’Alene region. As of 2020, the paper is owned by Duane Hagadone and the Hagadone Newspaper Group, and it primarily serves the readers in Kootenai and Bonner counties.
Being the largest newspaper in North Idaho, it is the region’s leading local news source, stories, and features. There are dedicated sections on the paper and its website for local news, sports, weather updates, classifieds, obituaries, and many more.
Apart from these, Coeur d’Alene Press also publishes an e-edition of the newspaper. The E-edition can be accessed from their website by the paid subscribers. Coeur d’Alene Press also has an active presence on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Coeur d’Alene Press Android App
Idaho Press Tribune
Idaho Press Tribune is a daily newspaper that is based out of Nampa, Idaho. The paper was initially founded in December 1883 by W. J. Cuddy as the Caldwell Tribune and has since been in circulation, making it the second oldest newspaper in Idaho. Over the years, the newspaper has witnessed several mergers and acquisitions until the Adams Publishing Group acquired it in 2017.
The newspaper primarily focuses on reporting local news, sports, and community information for the entire Treasure Valley Idaho region. They also cover Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, Merdian, and the surrounding towns.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an online website. Idaho Press Tribune also has an active presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube & Pinterest.
Idaho Press-Tribune Android App
Messenger Index
Messenger Index is a weekly newspaper serving the Gem county and Valley of Plenty since 1893. In the 1990s, Messenger Index was acquired by the Idaho Press Tribune. As of 2020, both the Messenger Index & the papers in Idaho Press Tribune family are owned by the Adams Publishing Group.
The newspaper mainly focuses on reporting local news, sports, and community information for the entire Gem county and Valley of Plenty regions in Idaho. Apart from the newspaper’s printed edition, readers can also choose to access the official website of the Messenger Index for prompt updates and news headlines.
Kuna Melba News
Kuna Melba News is a local weekly newspaper in Idaho, serving the Kuna region. The newspaper provides updates on local, regional, and national news and is available in both the print & online formats.
The paper is currently a part of the Idaho Press Tribune and is owned by the Adams Publishing Group. The printed edition of the newspaper is published on Wednesdays, and it is circulated in the communities of Kuna and Melba, Idaho.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an online edition. The e-edition of the newspaper can be accessed by the paid subscribers from the website.
Meridian Press
Meridian Press is a weekly newspaper that is published on Fridays. The paper is owned and operated by Idaho Press Tribune and primarily caters to the readers in Meridian, Idaho. As of 2020, the paper has a weekly circulation of about 15,000 copies.
Meridian Press primarily focuses on reporting local business news, local news, sports, and entertainment news. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, it also publishes an online website. The website is regularly updated with the latest news & updates, and most contents on the website are available to the users for free.
Boise Weekly
Boise Weekly, as the name suggests, is an alternative weekly in Boise, Idaho. The newspaper was founded in the year 1992 by Andy and Debi Hedden-Nicely and Larry Regan. As of 2020, the newspaper is owned by the Adams Publishing Group. Boise Weekly is primarily circulated from McCall on the northwest to Sun Valley to the east during Wednesdays.
The newspaper mainly covers local news, environmental issues, arts, entertainment, and many more. Apart from the printed edition of the paper, they also publish an e-edition. The e-edition of the paper can be accessed by the paid subscribers from their official website.
Idaho Mountain Express
Idaho Mountain Express is a twice a weekly morning newspaper in Idaho, serving the Blaine County and the Wood River Valley. The newspaper was founded in the year 1974 as a weekly, and it was later converted to twice-weekly in 1996. Idaho Mountain Express paper covers news, sports, arts, events, calendar, and Classifieds for Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey, Bellevue, and Carey regions Idaho.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an e-edition. The e-edition of the paper can be accessed from the official website. While most contents on the website are available to the users for free, there are certain features like the access to e-edition that are restricted to paid subscribers.
Idaho state journal
Idaho State Journal is a daily newspaper in Idaho serving southeast Idaho, including Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Power, and Oneida counties. The newspaper was founded in the year 1890 and has become a prominent community newspaper in Idaho. As of 2020, the paper is expected to have a daily circulation of 17,116 copies and 17,825 copies on Sundays.
Idaho State Journal mainly covers local and regional news of Rexburg, Logan, Boise Valley, and Bozeman in Idaho. Apart from the printed edition, the paper also has an online edition. The e-edition of the newspaper can be accessed from their official website by paid subscribers.
Idaho State Journal Android App
The Herald Journal
The Herald Journal is a daily newspaper based out of Logan, Utah. The paper, which was first launched in 1931, is currently published thrice a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Herald Journal is circulated in South-Eastern Idaho.
The paper covers local news, sports, entertainment, religion, opinion, outdoors, and features, Utah/Idaho news, and national news. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, it also publishes an e-edition. Paid subscribers can access the E-Edition of the paper from their official website.
Other than a robust online presence, The Herald Journal also has an active presence on various social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter.
The Herald Journal Android App
The News Examiner
The News Examiner is a daily newspaper in Montpelier, Idaho, serving the Bear Lake Valley. The paper was initially launched as the Montpelier Examiner in the year 1895 by Charles Harris. In 1960 Montpelier Examiner merged with Bear Lake Valley News to form The News Examiner. As of 2020, the paper is owned by the Adams Publishing Company.
The paper and its online website cover local news, weather forecast, alerts, events, sports news, and more from Montpelier. Apart from the newspaper’s printed edition, The News Examiner also publishes an e-edition of the newspaper. Paid subscribers can access the e-edition of the newspaper from the official website.
The Preston Citizen
The Preston Citizen is a weekly community newspaper in Idaho, serving Preston and Franklin County. The newspaper was first launched in the year 1942 and has since remained a weekly. As of 2020, the paper is owned by the Adams Publishing Company. The paper is primarily circulated among the Preston, Franklin, Weston, and Dayton counties and about ten smaller towns.
The paper and its online website cover all facets of local news, weather forecast, alerts, events, and sports news. Apart from the newspaper’s printed edition, they also publish an e-edition that can be accessed by paid subscribers from their official website.
The Preston Citizen Android App
The Leader
The leader is a weekly newspaper based out of Tremonton, Utah, serving the South-eastern regions of Idaho. The newspaper was first launched in 1914, and as of 2020, it is owned by the Adams Publishing Company. The paper primarily covers local news, weather updates, sports, business, etc. concerning South-eastern Idaho & Tremonton, Utah.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also own an online news website. The website is regularly updated with the latest news & updates. While most contents on the website are available to the users for free, only paid subscribers can have access to the e-edition.
Lewiston Morning Tribune
The Lewiston Morning Tribune is a daily newspaper in Idaho, serving the counties in north-central Idaho and southeastern Washington since 1892. The paper was first launched in 1892 by Eugene L. Alford and Albert H. Alford as a weekly newspaper. Due to a rise in popularity & demand, the paper was converted to a daily newspaper in 1898. As of 2020, the paper has a daily circulation of 25,515 copies and 26,005 copies on Sundays.
The paper & its online website cover all facets of local news, sports, business, state news, obituaries, opinions, etc. It is important to note that The Lewiston Morning Tribune was the first newspaper in the state to launch an e-edition of a newspaper in 1995. Paid subscribers can access the e-edition of the newspaper from their website.
Lewiston Morning Tribune Online
Lewiston Morning Tribune ePaper
Challis Messenger
Challis Messenger is a weekly newspaper in Idaho that primarily serves the Challis city. The paper was founded in the year 1881 as the Idaho Messenger by Royal A. Pierce. Idaho Messenger was a weekly newspaper and was published on Wednesdays. The paper was renamed to the Challis Messenger in 1912. As of 2020, the paper is owned by the Adams Publishing Group.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an e-edition. Paid subscribers can access the e-edition from their official website of Challis Messenger.
Jefferson Star
Jefferson Star is a weekly newspaper in Idaho covering local news, sports, business, and community events. The paper is published on Wednesdays, and it primarily serves Rigby and the surrounding communities in Jefferson County. As of 2020, the paper is owned by the Adams Publishing group and has an estimated circulation of 1,950 copies.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, Jefferson Star also publishes an e-edition. The e-edition is exclusive for the paid subscribers and can be accessed from their official website. Every other content on the website other than the e-edition can be accessed for free by the users.
Unlike the weekly newspaper, the website is regularly updated with the most important news & latest updates
The Argonaut
The Argonaut is an award-winning weekly newspaper published by the students of the University of Idaho. The paper has been in circulation since 1898 within the university during the academic year. Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, Argonaut also has an online website. The entire content on the website can be accessed for free by the users.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News
As the name suggests, Moscow-Pullman Daily News is a daily newspaper in Idaho serving Moscow, Idaho, and Pullman in Washington, metropolitan area. The newspaper has been in circulation since 1911 and is currently owned by Butch Alford.
The newspaper’s printed & online edition covers local news, headlines, breaking news, and more. They also publish an e-paper that can be accessed by paid subscribers from their official website.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News Online
Moscow-Pullman Daily News ePaper
Idaho Business Review (IBR)
As the name suggests, Idaho Business Review is a publication catering to its subscribers’ high-value business news, leads, and analysis. IBR is an integrated platform containing the weekly Idaho Business Review newspaper and its official website delivering business news & analysis. The newspaper is also published in e-format, which can be accessed by paid subscribers from their official website.
Bonner County Bee
Bonner County Bee is a daily newspaper in Idaho, serving the Bonner County and North Idaho since 1965. The newspaper was founded in 1965 and is currently owned by Hagadone Newspapers. Both the online & printed edition of the newspaper covers local news, sports, classifieds, opinions, and more.
Standard Journal
Standard Journal is a twice-weekly newspaper that is published in Rexburg, Idaho. The newspaper, founded in 1887, is currently owned by the Adams Publishing Group and has an estimated circulation of 4,969 copies (As of 2017). Both the newspaper and its online edition cover local news, sports, obituaries, announcements, classifieds, etc.
Teton Valley News
Teton Valley News is a weekly newspaper in Idaho, serving the Teton valley. The newspaper was founded in 1909 and is currently owned by the Adams Publishing Group. Both the printed edition and the newspaper’s e-edition are focussed on reporting the local news & essential updates from the Teton valley.
The Morning News
The Morning News is a newspaper in Idaho serving the Blackfoot region. The newspaper was founded in the year 1983 and has since been covering local news, news that concerns Blackfoot, Bingham County, and Southeast Idaho.
Conclusion
Like the other states in the US and the countries across the globe, the dwindling circulation and decline in revenue have been troubling the newspapers in Idaho for quite some time. Many newspapers in Idaho (including the prominent ones) are struggling to stay afloat. While some publishing companies went bankrupt, some choose to merge with other media companies to stay afloat.
The situation was aggravated with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced many newspapers to shift to digital publications completely and others to wind up their business.
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.
We can do a lot more with your support!
Can you spare a few minutes to help us find answers to these questions?
- What are the top three newspapers in Idaho?
- Did we miss any deserving newspaper or news website?
- Which is the best newspaper in Idaho for business, entertainment, and sports news?
- Do you have any other information for us related to newspapers in Idaho?
- Are there any newspapers in Idaho that went bankrupt?
Please drop your answers on the comments section below. We are thanking you in advance!
Hey reader, can we grab your attention for a minute?
We are always looking for people with a media/journalism/mass communication background to contribute more articles. If you are an expert in the Idaho media industry, can you help us make this article better? You can email us your suggestions.
We are also looking for companies/people who wish to sponsor this article and empower us to research and cover more valuable information about the Idaho media.
For more details, please contact us at mediabuzz.org@gmail.com.