Introduction to Illinois News Media
Illinois is a US state that is located in the Midwestern part of the country and the sixth populous state in the country. With a population of 12,671,821, Illinois is an important market for newspapers & other media companies in the US.
History of Illinois Newspapers
Mathew Duncan is credited as the man who introduced a printing press to Illinois. He started publishing Illinois Herald, the state’s first newspaper, in 1814. Two years later, the title of the newspaper was changed to Western Intelligencer and it became Illinois Intelligencer in 1818. By 1820, Illinois Intelligencer shifted its operations from Kaskaskia to the capital city Vandalia.
Illinois Emigrant was the state’s second newspaper as it came into existence on June 13, 1818, in Shawneetown. In 1819, the newspaper changed its name to Illinois Gazette. The populous most city of Illinois — Chicago welcomed its first newspaper on November 26, 1833, under the title of Chicago Democrat.
Civil War
Over 300 newspapers were operating in Illinois at the time of the Civil War. The first “patent inside”, which meant a supplement of articles for sale, was issued in Chicago by the Herald of the Prairies. The city of Chicago thus became the hub of the patent inside business. Luther Stone used the Herald of the Prairies to publish an identical three-page newspaper titled “Watchman of the Prairies”.
Current Status of Newspapers in Illinois
According to Illinois University, the state had over one thousand newspapers to serve three million population in 1880. However, the newspaper titles in Illinois had declined to 745 by 1989.
This article will discuss in detail the top newspapers & news websites in Illinois. Let’s get going.
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Tribune is a daily newspaper published in Illinois and circulated among the residents of Chicago. The paper was established in 1847 by James Kelly, John E Wheeler, & Joseph K.C. Forrest. It has over the years undergone a series of mergers & acquisitions and is currently owned by Tribune Publishing.
Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times is a major daily newspaper in Chicago. The paper was established in 194 following the merger of the erstwhile newspapers Chicago Sun & Chicago Daily Times. As of 2018, the paper had a daily circulation of 1,20,000 making it the second-largest newspaper in terms of circulation in Chicago.
The Chicago Sun-Times Android App
Daily Herald
Daily Herald is a daily newspaper in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago and owned by Paddock Publications. The paper was established in 1847 as the Cook County Herald and was over the years renamed to the Daily Herald as seen today. As of 2021, the paper is circulated in the northern, northwestern and western suburbs of Chicago.
Journal Star
Journal Star is a daily newspaper in Chicago catering to the readers in Peoria, Illinois, and its surrounding areas. The paper was established in 1855 and is currently owned by Gannet and it is today one of the major newspapers in Illinois.
History
The newspaper first hit the newsstands in 1855 as the Peoria Daily Transcript. It was established by N.C. Nason as an afternoon newspaper. Over the years the paper has undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions until it was renamed to Journal Star and converted to a daily newspaper.
What do they publish?
- A daily printed edition of the newspaper with a daily circulation of 63,024 copies, 64,078 copies on Saturdays, and 72,607 copies on Sundays.
- An online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, opinion, obituaries, top headlines and more. While most contents on the website are available to the users for free, there are some contents exclusive to paid subscribers.
- E-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers.
Apart from these, Journal Star also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. Readers can also follow their social media handles for regular updates.
The Pantagraph
The Pantagraph is a daily newspaper in Illinois serving Bloomington–Normal, and 60 communities in the Central Illinois area. Established in 1837 by Jesse W Fell who was a businessman from Bloomington, the paper is currently owned by Lee Enterprises and is one of the oldest newspapers in Chicago.
Over the years the paper has undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions before Lee Enterprises acquired the paper in 2006. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website and an e-edition of the paper.
The News-Gazette
The News-Gazette is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the readers in eleven counties in the eastern portion of Central Illinois and specifically the Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area. Though the paper as we see it was established in 1919, it’s history can be traced back to the newspaper Urbana Union, founded in 1852.
Today other than the daily printed edition, The News-Gazette also publishes an online news website.
Quincy Herald-Whig
Quincy Herald-Whig is a daily newspaper in Illinois covering four counties in West-Central Illinois and nine counties in Northeast Missouri. The paper is owned by Quincy Media based out of Illinois.
Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, obituaries, business, opinion, lifestyle, classifieds, and arts & entertainment. They also publish an e-edition that can only be accessed by paid subscribers.
Quincy Herald-Whig Android App
The Northwest Herald
The Northwest Herald is a local daily newspaper in Illinois owned by Shaw media. The paper was established in 1985 and it today caters to the residents in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, including all of McHenry County and northern Kane County.
Other than the daily printed edition, The Northwest Herald also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, opinion and more. The paper also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.
The Northwest Herald Android App
Belleville News-Democrat
Belleville News-Democrat is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of St. Clair county. The paper was established in 1858 and has since been covering news & updates from southwestern Illinois. As per the readership survey of 2017, Belleville News-Democrat had a daily circulation of 53,967 copies and 64,282 copies on Sundays.
Other than the printed edition, they also publish an online news website and an e-edition.
The Northwest Herald Android App
The Telegraph
The Telegraph is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of the St. Louis Metro-East region. The paper was established in 1836 as the Alton Telegraph and it over the years underwent a series of mergers and acquisitions before it was renamed The Telegraph.
Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website and an e-edition. While readers can access the contents on the website for free, access to e-edition is restricted to paid subscribers.
Herald & Review
Herald & Review is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to residents of Decatur and Macon County. The paper was established in 1872 by Rev. Alfred F. Wuensch as the Decatur Review, a weekly publication. Over the years, the paper underwent a series of mergers and acquisitions until it was renamed Herald & Review and Lee Enterprises acquired the paper.
Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website and an e-edition.
The Dispatch/ The Rock Island Argus
The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus are two daily newspapers in East Moline, Illinois. The history of the papers can be traced back to 1853 & 1858. Today the paper is primarily circulated throughout the Illinois side of the Quad Cities — Moline, East Moline, Rock Island and Rock Island County. Other than the daily printed edition, The Dispatch, and The Rok Island Argus also publishes an online news website.
The State Journal-Register
The State Journal-Register is a local daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Springfield & its surroundings. The paper was first launched in 1831 as the Sangamo Journal by William Bailhache and Edward Baker. Over the years the paper underwent a series of mergers and acquisitions until it was renamed The State Journal-Register.
Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website & an e-edition.
The State Journal-Register Online
The State Journal-Register ePaper
The State Journal-Register Android App
The State Journal-Register iOS App
Suntimesnews
Suntimesnews is an online news website in Illinois covering local news & updates and important national news.
The Southern Illinoisan
The Southern Illinoisan is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Carbondale. The paper was established in 1947 by the merger of the erstwhile newspapers Daily Free Press of Carbondale, the Murphysboro Daily Independent and the Herrin Daily Journal. The paper was acquired by Lee Enterprises in 1979 and has remained under their ownership ever since.
Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website and an e-edition.
The Southern Illinoisan Online
The Southern Illinoisan ePaper
The Daily Illini
The Daily Illini is a daily newspaper published by the students at the University of Illinois. Established in 1871, the paper has since been catering to the community of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. The printed edition of the paper is circulated twice a week while the online edition is updated daily.
Other than the printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, opinion, life & culture, top stories & more.
Daily Chronicle
Daily Chronicle is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of DeKalb County. While the paper as seen today was established in 1970, its history can be traced back to The DeKalb Daily Chronicle, which began publication in 1909.
Apart from the printed edition of the paper, the Daily Chronicle also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, business news, crime updates, top stories, education, and more.
Daily Northwestern
Daily Northwestern is a daily newspaper published by the students of Northwestern University. It was established in 1881 and has since been published on weekdays during the academic year. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website with dedicated sections for news & updates from campus, local news, sports, opinion, Arts & entertainment & more.
Commercial-News
Commercial-News is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Danville and surrounding communities. The paper is currently owned by Community Newspaper Holdings. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website which the readers can access for free.
The Northern Star
The Northern Star is a student newspaper published by the students at the Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Established in 1889, the paper today covers NIU campus news, DeKalb news, NIU Huskie sports and northern Illinois entertainment. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website.
Rockford Register Star
Rockford Register Star is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of the Rockford, Illinois, metropolitan area. The paper as seen today was established by the merger of the newspapers Register-Republic & Morning star in 1979. Over the years, the paper has grown to be the 5th largest newspaper in terms of circulation in Illinois. As of 2012, the paper had a daily circulation of 65,224 copies and 40,429 copies on Saturdays and 62,381 copies on Sundays.
Rockford Register Star Android App
Rockford Register Star iOS App
The Herald-News
The Herald-News is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Joliet, Will County and Grundy County area. The paper was established in 1877 and is currently owned by Shaw media. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website and an e-edition.
Daily Journal
Daily Journal is a local daily newspaper in Illinois, catering to the residents of Kankakee county & municipalities of Bourbonnais and Bradley. Other than the daily printed edition, Daily Journal also publishes an online news website.
The Herald News
The Herald News is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Joliet, Will County and Grundy County area. The history of the paper can be traced back to 1904 when Ira Clifton Copley established the paper, Joliet Herald. He later merged the Joliet Herald with the paper Joliet News to form The Herald News.
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier
Journal Gazette & Times-Courier are two daily newspaper in Illinois owned by lee Enterprises. Journal Gazette was founded in 1905 following the merger of Weekly Independent Gazette & Mattoon Journal. While Times Courier was established after the merger of The Courier & The Daily Times. As of 2015, Journal Gazette & Times-Courier together had a circulation of more than 18,000 copies.
Journal Gazette & Times Courier Online
Journal Gazette & Times Courier ePaper
Journal Gazette & Times Courier Android App
Journal Gazette & Times Courier iOS App
La Raza
La Raza is an award-winning Spanish weekly newspaper in Chicago covering local, national & international news. The paper was founded in 1970 and has since been catering to the Hispanic community in Chicago. Other than the printed edition of the newspaper, they also publish an online news website.
Oak Park
Oak Park is a weekly newspaper in Chicago catering to the residents of Oak Park and River Forest. The paper is mainly focused on covering local news and updates and they also publish an online news website. Apart from a strong online presence, Oak Park also has an active presence on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
The Chicago Crusader
The Chicago Crusader is a weekly African American newspaper in Chicago owned by The Crusader Newspaper Group. The paper was established in 1940 as The Crusader, which was later renamed The New Crusader & finally The Chicago Crusader. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website.
Kane County Chronicle
Kane County Chronicle is a weekly newspaper in Illinois serving the central Kane County, located in the Fox Valley region. The paper was established in 1881 by Samuel W. Durantand has over the years undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions until it was acquired by Shaw media.
The Final Call
The Final Call is a weekly magazine in Chicago catering to the Islamic community in Chicago. It is the official newspaper of the Nation of Islam (a religious movement among the Afro-American population). While the paper is popular among the followers of the Nation of Islam, it is often criticized to be anti-White, homophobic and antisemitic.
Journal & Topics
Journal & Topics is a daily newspaper in Illinois covering the local news and updates. The paper is owned by the Journal & Topics media group and is one of the 16 newspapers published by the media company. Other than the daily printed edition, the also publish an online news website which the readers can access for free.
Edwardsville Intelligencer
Edwardsville Intelligencer is an American daily newspaper in Illinois owned by Hearst Corporation. Established in 1862, the paper has undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions until Hearst Corporation acquired the paper. As per the readership survey of 2013, the paper had a daily circulation of 4,010 copies.
Edwardsville Intelligencer Online
Edwardsville Intelligencer ePaper
My Suburban Life
My Suburban Life is a daily local news publication owned by Shaw Media covering news, sports and entertainment updates from Chicago’s western suburbs. Other than the daily printed edition, My Suburban Life also publishes an online news website and also has an active social media presence.
Bureau County Republican
Bureau County Republican is a daily local newspaper owned by Shaw Media. The paper was established in 1858 and has since been catering to the residents of Bureau County. Apart from the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website & also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.
Bureau County Republican Online
Bureau County Republican ePaper
Bureau County Republican Android App
Bureau County Republican iOS App
BG Voice
BG Voice is a weekly newspaper in Bulgarian catering to the Bulgarian speaking community in Chicago. Apart from the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website in the Bulgarian language. BG Voice also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.
Dziennik Zwiazkowy
Dziennik Zwiazkowy is a daily newspaper in Polish catering to the Polish community in Chicago. Established in the early 1900s it is the oldest Polish daily in the United States. Apart from the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website and also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.
The Daily Leader
The Daily Leader is a daily newspaper in Illinois owned by Gannet. Established in 1880 the paper currently caters to the residents of covers Chenoa, El Paso and Dwight. The paper also publishes an online news website & has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.
The Courier
The Courier is a weekly newspaper in Chicago that first entered circulation in 1960. Other than the weekly printed edition, they also publish an online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, entertainment, lifestyle, opinion, obituaries, and more. They also publish an e-edition that can only be accessed by paid subscribers.
Chicago Defender
Chicago Defender is an online newspaper in Chicago owned by Real Times Media LLC. The paper was established in 1905 by Robert S. Abbott and it remained in circulation until it was converted into an online newspaper in 2019. Chicago Defender also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.
Pekin Daily Times
Pekin Daily Times is a daily newspaper in Illinois owned by Gannet. The newspaper was established in 1881 and has over the years became a prominent news publication. Today other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website and an e-edition.
Newcity
Newcity is a media company in Chicago owned by Newcity Communications, Inc. It was first launched into the market in 1988 as a weekly newspaper and it was later converted to a free monthly magazine by 2017. The magazine primarily focuses on covering music, stage shows, news related to arts & entertainment, and more.
Journal-Courier
Journal-Courier is a daily newspaper in Illinois owned by Hearst. The paper was established in 1830 and is the oldest continuously published newspaper in Illinois. As of 2021, Journal-Courier is circulated in Jacksonville, South Jacksonville, Cass, Greene, Macoupin, Morgan, Brown, Pike and Scott counties, in western-Central Illinois. The paper also publishes an online news website & an e-edition of the paper.
Journal Pilot
Journal Pilot is a weekly newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Hancock county since 1887. Other than the printed edition, they also publish an online news website and an e-edition. While readers can access the contents on the website for free, access to e-edition is restricted to paid subscribers.
Hancock County Journal-Pilot Online
Hancock County Journal-Pilot ePaper
Illinois Times
Illinois Times is an alternative weekly newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Springfield and surrounding communities. The paper was established in 1975 by Fletcher Farrar Sr., a businessman and it has a circulation of 28,000 copies (as of 2015). Other than the daily printed edition, Illinois Times also publishes an online news website.
Agri News
Agri News is an online news publication in Illinois catering to the agricultural community. The website covers all facets of news and updates related to agriculture including but not limited to business, livestock, news, auctions, opinion, and more. They also publish an online newspaper, the access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.
Effingham Daily News
Effingham Daily News is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Effingham, and surrounding portions of Clay, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion and Shelby counties. The paper was established in 1946 and is today owned by Community Newspaper Holdings. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website.
Effingham Daily News Android App
Journal-Standard
Journal-Standard is a daily newspaper in Illinois owned & operated by Gannet. The paper was established in 1848 as the Freeport Journal and has over the years undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions before being renamed Journal-Standard. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website & an e-edition.
The McDonough County Voice
The McDonough County Voice is a daily newspaper in Illinois owned by Gannet. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish an online news website and an e-edition. While readers can access the contents on the website for free, access to e-edition is restricted to paid subscribers.
The McDonough County Voice Online
The McDonough County Voice ePaper
The McDonough County Voice Android App
The McDonough County Voice iOS App
Effingham Daily News
Effingham Daily News is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Effingham and surrounding portions of Clay, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Marion and Shelby counties. Established in 1946, the paper is currently owned by Community Newspaper Holdings and has a daily circulation of 10,541 copies (As of 2007).
Effingham Daily News Android App
Morris Herald News
Morris Herald-News is a weekly newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Grundy County. The paper was established in 1851 and Shaw Media acquired the paper in 1952. It is currently the third oldest, continuously owned and operated family media company in the United States. Other than the weekly printed edition, they also have a strong online presence.
The Register-Mail
The Register-Mail is a daily newspaper in Illinois catering to the residents of Knox county. The paper was established in 1891 as the Galesburg Daily Mail and has over the years undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions before being renamed to The Register-Mail. As of 2012, the paper had a daily circulation of 10,059 copies and a Sunday circulation of 10,532 copies.
Galesburg Register Mail Online
Galesburg Register Mail ePaper
Galesburg Register Mail Android App
Galesburg Register Mail iOS App
Conclusion
The newspapers & news websites mentioned in this article are the top one that is currently in circulation in Illinois. Out of these, The Chicago Tribune is the largest newspaper in terms of circulation while the Journal Star is the smallest newspaper. Though Illinois is the 6th largest state in the United States in terms of circulation and a prominent market for newspapers in the country, Illinois newspapers are struggling to keep their business afloat.
This isn’t just happening in Illinois instead newspapers in the other US states too are struggling with a decline in circulation. In a recent survey, it was inferred that newspaper circulation in the U.S. has declined every year for three decades and the revenue of newspapers from advertisements to have nosedived.
With a drastic decline in revenue from circulation & advertisements, most media houses are struggling to keep their businesses open. Among them, the most affected ones are the local newspapers and local journalism has dried up in most parts of Illinois. In an effort to keep the publishing afloat, some newspapers have merged with their competitors and some others have fully switched to digital publications.
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- What are the top three newspapers in Illinois?
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