Missouri is a US state located in the midwestern part of the US. More than six million people reside in the state with St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Springfield being the most populated cities and a major market for newspapers.
History of Missouri Newspapers
In 1808, Missouri welcomed its first printing press and it was established in the Territory of Louisiana (Present day St. Louis). It was Joseph Charless who published the first newspaper in the region on July 12, 1808. The newspaper had over 170 subscribers initially and most of them used to pay Charless with flour, beef, corn and pork for the annual subscription that was valued at $3 at that time.
Charless changed the name of the newspaper to the Louisiana Gazette in 1809. However, with the creation of the Missouri Territory in 1812, the title of the newspaper was changed to Missouri Gazette.
Western Journal was the second newspaper to be published in the state. It was established by Joshua Norvell in 1815. However, the paper was sold inside of two years and it was later renamed to The Western Emigrant on May 17, 1817. After two more years, The Western Emigrant was renamed as St. Louis Enquirer under new ownership.
Missouri has more than 50 newspapers operating from different parts of the state. This article will discuss in detail the top newspapers & news websites in the state.
The Sporting News
The Sporting News is a sports website in the US primarily covering news & updates about baseball. It was initially launched as a printed magazine in 1886 and remained in circulation until 2012. As of 2021 the paper The Sporting News is owned by DAZN Group.
History
The Sporting News was first launched in St. Louis in 1886 as a weekly magazine by Alfred H. Spink, a director of the St. Louis Browns baseball team. Baseball, professional boxing & horse racing were the primary news covered by the newspaper. Within a few years after launch, the paper began to cover baseball news exclusively until 1942 where they began to cover in-season football.
The paper remained a weekly newspaper until 2008 following which it was converted to a bi-weekly newspaper. By 2011 the circulation of the paper had declined forcing the paper to be converted to a monthly newspaper. It remained to be a monthly circulation until 2012 following which it was converted to an online newspaper.
What do they publish?
- An online news website with dedicated sections for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Golf, Soccer, NASCAR, and more. Apart from a strong presence on the web, The Sporting News also has an active presence on social media.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis Post-Dispatch is a daily newspaper in St. Louis catering to the residents in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. The paper was established in 1878 and has over the years become the largest newspaper in the metropolitan area and is owned by Lee Enterprises. Other than the printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website and also has an active presence on social media.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch Online
St. Louis Post-Dispatch ePaper
St. Louis Post-Dispatch Android App
St. Louis Post-Dispatch iOS App
The Kansas City Star
The Kansas City Star is a daily newspaper in Missouri primarily catering to the residents in Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties. The paper was established in 1880 and has over the years become a prominent publication in the state.
History
As said, the paper first hit the newsstands in 1880 as an evening newspaper named The Kansas City Evening Star. William Rockhill Nelson and Samuel E. Morss were the publishers of The Kansas City Evening Star. The paper was quick to gain popularity and by 1982, it acquired one of its competitors Kansas City Evening Mail. The paper was renamed to The Kansas City Star in 1985 and has since been named the same.
Over the years the paper underwent a series of mergers & acquisitions until McClatchy bought it in 2005.
What do they publish?
- A daily printed edition of the newspaper covering local, state & national news. As per the readership survey of 2018, the paper had a daily circulation of 76,853 copies and Sunday circulation of 118,203 copies.
- An online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, politics, entertainment, business, opinion, and more.
- An e-edition of the paper, the access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.
The Kansas City Star Android App
The Lee’s Summit Journal
The Lee’s Summit Journal is a bi-weekly newspaper McClatchy primarily catering to the readers in the city of Lee’s Summit. The paper was established in 1881 and it currently has a weekly subscription of 1,689 copies. Apart from the weekly printed edition, The Lee’s Summit Journal also publishes a news website that’s hosted along with the Kansas City Star.
The Lee’s Summit Journal Online
The Riverfront Times
The Riverfront Times is a weekly newspaper in the US state of Missouri published by Euclid Media Group. Established in the year 1977, the paper was quick to gain popularity and it today covers local politics, music, arts, and more.
What do they publish?
- A daily printed edition of the newspaper with a weekly circulation of 81,276 copies (As of 2016).
- A news website with dedicated sections for news, arts, culture, music, movies, etc.
Other than these, The Riverfront Times also has an active presence on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Readers can also follow the paper’s social media handles for prompt updates.
Springfield News-Leader
Springfield News-Leader is a daily newspaper in Missouri owned by Gannet. Established in 1867, the paper primarily caters to readers in the city of Springfield & Ozark mountains.
What do they publish?
- A printed edition of the newspaper with daily circulation of 32,363 and a Sunday circulation of 51,402 as of 2013.
- An online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, life, opinion, entertainment, obituaries, e-edition, and more.
Springfield News-Leader Online
Springfield News-Leader ePaper
Springfield News-Leader Android App
Springfield News-Leader iOS App
St. Louis American
St. Louis American is a weekly newspaper in Missouri catering to the African-American community in St. Louis. The paper was established in 1928 and has over the years undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions. As of 2021, it is the largest weekly newspaper in St. Louis and it is available in both print & online.
News-Press NOW
News-Press NOW is a local news & weather TV channel based in St. Joseph, Missouri. The channel is owned by the News-Press & Gazette Company and it first went on air in 2006. Other than the news coverage through television, News-Press NOW also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, obituaries, and more.
The Pitch
The Pitch is an alternative weekly newspaper published in Kansas City Metropolitan area. The paper was established in 1980 and is currently owned by Carey Media. Both the printed edition of the paper and its online edition primarily covers investigative stories of the local government, sports news, local news & updates, and more.
Jefferson City News Tribune
Jefferson City News Tribune is a daily newspaper in Missouri catering to the residents of Cole County. The paper first hit the newsstands on 1865 and has over the years become a prominent publication in the state. Both the paper and its printed edition mainly covers local news & important national news.
The online edition of Jefferson City News Tribune has dedicated sections for local news, national news, international news, sports, opinion, & obituaries.
Jefferson City News Tribune Online
Columbia Missourian
Columbia Missourian is a daily newspaper in Missouri published by the Missourian Publishing Association. The paper was established in 1908 and has over the years become a prominent publication in the state. Today, it is a digital-first publication with its printed edition being circulated 5 days a week & e-edition is published 7 days a week.
The paper also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for local & national news, sports, obituaries, opinion, and more.
Columbia Missourian Android App
Ste. Genevieve Herald
Ste. Genevieve Herald is a weekly newspaper in Missouri owned by Better Newspapers, Inc. The paper was established in 1882 and has been covering news and updates from Ste. Genevieve County. Other than the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for community news, sports, obituaries, religion, opinion and more. They also publish an e-edition that can be published from the paper’s official website.
The Joplin Globe
The Joplin Globe is a daily newspaper that is available in both print & online. Owned by Community Newspaper Holdings Inc., the paper was established in 1896 and has since been catering to the readers in Jasper County and northern Newton County.
Other than the daily printed edition, The Joplin Globe also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, opinion, obituaries, and more. They also publish an e-edition, the access to which is restricted to paid customers.
The Webster-Kirkwood Times
The Webster-Kirkwood Times is a weekly newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in Des Peres, Glendale, Kirkwood, Oakland, Rock Hill, Shrewsbury, Warson Woods, and Webster Groves. The paper also publishes an e-edition that can be accessed from their website by paid subscribers.
St. Louis South County Times and St. Louis West End Word are the other prominent publications published by The Webster-Kirkwood Times.
The Webster-Kirkwood Times Online
The Webster-Kirkwood Times ePaper
Columbia Daily Tribune
Columbia Daily Tribune is a daily newspaper in Missouri primarily catering to the readers in Mid-Missouri. Charles Monro Strong & Barratt O’Hara established the paper as The Tribune in 1901 after merging the three erstwhile newspapers Missouri Intelligencer, The Columbia Patriot and The Columbia Statesman. As of 2016, the paper had a daily circulation of 14,312 copies.
Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, entertainment, opinion, and more. They also publish an e-edition of the paper on the website, the access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.
Columbia Daily Tribune Android App
Columbia Daily Tribune iOS App
Springfield Business Journal
Springfield Business Journal is a weekly newspaper in the state of Missouri catering to the business community in Southwest Missouri. The paper was established in 1980 and over the years has become a prominent business publication in the state. Other than the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for industries, data, events, top stories and more.
Springfield Business Journal Online
Springfield Business Journal ePaper
Daily Journal
Daily Journal is a local daily newspaper in Missouri catering to the residents of St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Reynolds, Jefferson, Madison, Iron and Washington counties. Rev. S.M. Brumfield established the newspaper in 1930 and has over the years undergone a series of mergers & acquisitions. As of 2020 the paper had a daily circulation of 4,500 copies and 6,250 copies on weekends.
St. Louis Business Journal
St. Louis Business Journal is the regional edition of the national business publication, Biz Journals. It is an online publication primarily focused on catering to the business community in St. Louis with local business news & updates. Other than the news website, St. Louis Business Journal also publishes an e-edition of the paper, the access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.
St. Louis Business Journal Online
St. Louis Business Journal ePaper
St. Louis Business Journal Android App
St. Louis Business Journal iOS App
Leader Publications
Leader Publications is a weekly news publishing company in Missouri. The paper was established in 1994 and it publishes four community newspapers: Arnold-Imperial Leader, West Side Leader, Eureka Leader, Jefferson County Leader catering to the communities in Jefferson County. Other than the weekly printed edition, Leader Publicationsalso publishes an online news website with dedicated section for local news, sports, obituaries, features, etc.
Southeast Missourian
Southeast Missourian is a three-day newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in Southeastern portion of Missouri. The paper was established in 1904 by George and Fred Naeter and it today has a daily circulation of 16,797 copies. Other than the printed edition of the newspaper, the paper also publishes a news website.
Southeast Missourian Android App
The Missourian
The Missourian is a family owned and operated newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in Washington & Franklin County. The paper was established in 1937 by James L. Miller, Sr in 1937 and it has since been a trusted source of local news in the region. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website.
Hannibal Courier-Post
Hannibal Courier-Post is a daily newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in the city of Hannibal, and other communities in Marion, Pike, and Ralls Counties. The paper was established in 1832 as the Missouri Courier and it is one of the oldest newspapers in the state. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website.
Student Life
Student Life is a bi-weekly newspaper in Missouri published by the students at the Washington University in St. Louis. It is a prominent publication in the state and has won several national awards and recognitions. As per the readership survey of 2016, the paper had a printed circulation of 6,000 copies and around 200,000 unique visitors to its online news website.
The Houston Herald
The Houston Herald is a weekly newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in south-central Missouri, including Houston, Texas County and the region. The paper was established in 1878 and has over the year grown to become a prominent publication in the state. The Houston Herald also publishes an online news website with sections for news, classifieds, sports, community news, and more.
The University News
The University News is a weekly student newspaper published by the students at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. The paper was established in 1933 and it is today available in both print and online.
Branson Tri-Lakes News
Branson Tri-Lakes News is a twice-weekly newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in Branson, Taney County and Stone County. The paper is available in both print and online with its online website having dedicated sections for sports, announcements, opinion, top news, and more. Apart from these, they also publish an e-edition, the access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.
The Rolla Daily News
The Rolla Daily News is a daily newspaper published in Missouri catering to the readers in Rolla and Phelps County. The history of the paper can be traced back to 1870 and has over the years contributed a lot to the development of Rolla town. Today the paper is available in both print & online. Other than these the paper also publishes an e-edition.
The Rolla Daily News Android App
St. Louis Jewish Light
St. Louis Jewish Light is a bi-weekly Jewish paper in Missouri catering to the Jewish community in St. Louis. The paper was established in 1947 and is primarily focussed on covering news & updates that are of concern to the Jewish community. Other than the printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for lifestyle, obituaries, celebrations, opinion, and more.
The Maneater
The Maneater is a student newspaper published by the students at the University of Missouri. Joel Gold who was a student at the University of Missouri established the paper in 1955 as the Missouri Student. It was later renamed The Maneater and has since been covering news & updates from the university.
Sedalia Democrat
Sedalia Democrat is a daily newspaper in Missouri primarily catering to the readers in the city of Sedalia & west-central Missouri. The paper was established in 1868 as a weekly newspaper named the Democratic Press. Over the years the paper underwent a series of mergers and acquisitions before it was renamed the Sedalia Democrat and was converted to a daily publication.
Maryville Daily Forum
Maryville Daily Forum is an online news website in Missouri primarily catering to the readers in Nodaway County and beyond. The paper publishes an online news website with dedicate sections for new, sports, community news, obituaries, and more. Apart from these, the paper also publishes an e-edition that can be accessed from the official website.
Lake Sun Leader
Lake Sun Leader is a daily newspaper in Missouri covering the Lake of the Ozarks region and surroundings. The paper is available in both print & online and they also publish an e-edition of the paper that can be accessed by paid subscribers from their official website.
The Salam News
The Salam News is a local newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in Dent County & its surroundings. Other than the printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for local news, headlines, obituaries, community news, and more.
Independence Examiner
Independence Examiner is a daily newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in eastern Jackson County including Independence, Blue Springs and Grain Valley. The paper was established in 1898 as The Jackson Examiner and was later renamed Independence Examiner. Apart from the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an e-edition that can be accessed by paid subscribers from the paper’s official website.
Independence Examiner Android App
Bolivar Herald – Free Press
Bolivar Herald – Free Press is a weekly newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in Polk County and surroundings. The history of the paper can be traced back to The Free Press that was launched in 1868. The Free Press later merged with Bolivar Herald and Polk County Times to form the Bolivar Herald – Free Press in 1969. Today the paper is available in both print and online and they also publish an e-edition.
Bolivar Herald – Free Press Online
Bolivar Herald – Free Press ePaper
Missouri Lawyers Media
Missouri Lawyers Media is a weekly newspaper in Missouri covering legal news & updates from across the state. Other than the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes an online newspaper with dedicated sections for news, special reports, events, and more.
Warrensburg Star-Journal
Warrensburg Star-Journal is a daily newspaper in Missouri primarily catering to the readers in Jackson County. The paper was established in 1865 as the Warrensburg Journal and over the years the paper underwent a series of mergers with Warrensburg Democrat and Johnson County Star to form the Warrensburg Star-Journal.
Warrensburg Star-Journal Online
Warrensburg Star-Journal ePaper
The Mexico Ledger
The Mexico Ledger is a daily newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in the city of Mexico in Missouri. The paper was established in 1856 and is currently owned by Gannet. As of 2021, the paper is available in both print and online with its website having dedicated section for news, sports, classifieds, obituaries, and more.
The Examiner
The Examiner is a daily newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers of Jackson County. The paper was first established as a weekly newspaper named the Jackson Examiner in 1898. It was later converted to a daily newspaper in 1905 and it is today owned by Gannet.
Kirksville Daily Express
Kirksville Daily Express is a daily newspaper in Missouri catering to the readers in Kirksville and Adair County. Though the history of the paper can be traced back to 1856, the paper as seen today was established in 1901. Today other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes an online news website and an e-edition that can only be accessed by paid subscribers.
To Sum Up
The newspapers & news websites mentioned in this article are the top ones that are published in Missouri. Out of the publications, St. Louis Post-Dispatch is the largest newspaper in Missouri in terms of circulation and Daily American Republic the smallest.
Like the other newspapers in the US, the papers in Missouri have been battling dwindling revenues & loss in readership for some time. In a study conducted on the newspapers in the US, it was estimated that around 1,800 newspapers ceased their operation owing to financial reasons.
The industry which was already limping took another serious blow with the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the US. The weeklies & local newspapers which solely relied on revenue from advertisements were the most affected. In an effort to stay afloat, the weeklies/local newspapers in Missouri are either forced to switch to digital mode of publication or to cut down their print run to save publishing costs.
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.
Kirksville Daily Express Online
Kirksville Daily Express ePaper
Kirksville Daily Express Android App
Kirksville Daily Express iOS App
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