Introduction to Virginia News Media
Virginia is a US state located in the South-eastern side of the country with Richmond as the capital city. In 2019, the population of Virginia was more than 8.54 million, with 36 per cent of them based in the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan area.
According to the Nielsen Media Research, the Hampton Roads of Virginia is the hub of the state media. However, the media network is quite vast in Virginia as some of the offices are located in the Richmond-Petersburg and Roanoke-Lynchburg area. Some of the media outlets based in Washington, D.C. also have their regional offices in Northern Virginia.
Electronic Media in Virginia
According to Mondo Times, as many as 36 television stations were operating in Virginia by 2020. In total, the residents of Virginia could watch close to 42 TV channels to know about the news from within Virginia and its neighbouring jurisdictions.
As far as radio is concerned, the Federal Communications Commission claims that the state had close to 595 FCC-licensed FM and 239 AM stations by 2020. The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is the government broadcaster that has its headquarters in Arlington. PBS NewsHour and Washington Week are among some of the most popular radio shows broadcasted by the network from Virginia.
Prominent Newspapers in Virginia
The Virginian-Pilot, publishing from Norfolk, is the highest circulated newspaper in Virginia. As of 2020, the newspaper has recorded 132,000 subscribers. The second most-read newspaper of Virginia is Richmond Times-Dispatch with 86,219 subscribers. The Roanoke Times is also popular in the region.
Besides the prominent state media, the country’s highest-selling newspaper is USA Today with 520,000 daily subscriptions, has its headquarters in Virginia’s census-designated region, McLean. The Washington Post also has its office in Northern Virginia and provides local coverage for the state.
If you are looking for exclusive information on US newspapers, please visit the article written by our US media experts.
The Washington Post
The Washington Post is a daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C owned by Nash Holdings. Established in the year 1877, the paper currently serves the Washington metropolitan area, Maryland, and Virginia.
History of The Washington Post
The Washington Post was established in 1877 by Stilson Hutchins as a daily newspaper. Within a few months after hitting the newsstands, the paper gained popularity and saw a rise in circulation. By 1878, The Washington Post acquired The Washington Union, a competing newspaper and merged the two to form The Washington Post and Union. The paper was later renamed to The Washington Post and has remained the same ever since.
What do they publish?
- A daily printed edition of the paper covering news & updates from Washington, D.C, Maryland, Virginia, and important national & international news. As per the readership survey of 2015, the paper was estimated to have a daily circulation of 356,768 copies and 838,014 copies on Sundays.
- An online news website with dedicated sections for politics, opinion, tech, world, sports, local news, arts & entertainment, business, and more. There are also sections for latest news & headlines.
- An e-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers from the website.
The Washington Post Android App
USA Today
USA Today is a globally published newspaper owned by the American media giant Gannet and based out of Virginia. Established in 1982 the national edition of the paper is circulated in all 50 US states and the international edition has readers in Asia, Canada, Europe, and the Pacific Islands.
History of USA Today
While USA Today as seen today was established in 1982, its history can be traced back to February 29, 1980. It was in 1980 Gannet along with a partner decided to publish a national newspaper. It took them almost 2 years before the first edition of USA Today hit the market.
The paper was initially circulated in the Washington DC area and slowly expanded their market over time. As of 2020, the paper has a circulation in all the 50 states in the country and is a popular newspaper.
What do they publish?
- A daily edition of the paper circulated across the country and an international edition with circulation in Asia, Europe, Canada, and the Pacific Islands.
- An online edition of the newspaper covering news, sports, entertainment, life, money, tech, travel, opinion, latest news, and more.
- An e-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers. As of 2019, the paper was estimated to have a digital circulation of 504,000 copies.
Politico
Politico is an American journalism company based in Virginia. Established in 2007, the company is primarily focused on covering American & international politics and policies. Politico distributes its contents through different channels including its website, television, printed newspapers, radio, and podcasts.
History of Politico
Politico was first established as an online news website in 2007 by John F. Harris and Jim VandeHei who were working with The Washington Post. The entire project was funded by Robert L. Allbritton and politico was quick to gain popularity they began expanding their operations.
What do they publish?
As said earlier, politico distributes its content through various channels viz;
- A daily printed US edition of the paper circulated in the 50 states, and an international edition circulated in Asia, Europe, Canada, and Pacific Islands.
- Separate news websites for American & European region. As of 2017, Politico had registered 26 million unique visitors a month to its American website, and more than 1.5 million unique visitors to its European site.
- A monthly magazine named Politico known among its readers for hard-hitting reporting on American politics & policies
Apart from these, Politico also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. The official social media handles are regularly updated with the latest news & updates.
Blue Ridge Business Journal
As the name suggests, Blue Ridge Business Journal is a weekly business publication that is published in Virginia. Owned by the American City Business Journals (ACBJ), it is Virginia’s oldest and most trusted sources for local business news and information. Blue Ridge Business Journal was established in 2000, and it today has a circulation in 17 counties in Virginia.
What do they publish?
A weekly business journal primarily catering to business people & entrepreneurs in Virginia. It mainly focuses on reporting news & updates on business & market in Virginia.
An online news website with dedicated sections for news, people & companies, events, leadership trust, news & updates on various industries & more.
Blue Ridge Business Journal also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter with their social media handle regularly updated with the latest news.
Blue Ridge Business Journal Online
The Roanoke Times
The Roanoke Times is a daily newspaper published in Roanoke, Virginia. Established in the year 1896, the paper currently serves the residents of Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Initially owned by M. H. Claytor, the paper underwent a series of mergers and acquisitions until Lee Enterprises acquired the newspaper in 2013.
What do they publish?
- A daily printed edition of the paper circulated throughout Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg and Christiansburg. As of 2013, the paper had a daily circulation of 65,000 copies and 85,000 copies on weekends.
- An online news website with dedicated sections for local news, state & regional news, politics, national & international news, education, business, arts, entertainment, opinion, and more.
- An e-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers from the website.
The Roanoke Times also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. These social media handles are frequently updated with the latest news & updates.
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Richmond Times-Dispatch is a daily newspaper in Richmond, Virginia owned by Lee Enterprises. Established in 1850, Richmond Times-Dispatch is the main newspaper and is considered to be the primary newspaper of record of Virginia.
What do they publish?
A daily printed edition of the paper circulated throughout Virginia. As per the readership survey of 2013, the paper had a circulation of 89,401 copies on weekdays and 120,280 copies on weekends.
An online news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, obituaries, entertainment, politics, lifestyle, opinion and more. The website is frequently updated with the latest news & headlines.
An e-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers from the website.
Richmond Times-Dispatch also has an active social media presence. Readers can choose to follow their Facebook & Twitter account for prompt updates!
Richmond Times-Dispatch Online
Richmond Times-Dispatch ePaper
Richmond Times-Dispatch Android App
Richmond Times-Dispatch iOS App
CNS News
CNS News is apolitically conservative American news and commentary website founded in 1998. The website was established with a focus on being a trusted source of a news source for individuals, news organizations and broadcasters.
The Virginian-Pilot
The Virginian-Pilot is a daily newspaper in Virginia owned by Tribune Publishing group. Established in 1865, the paper today caters to the residents in the five cities of South Hampton Roads as well as several smaller towns in southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina.
History of Virginia-Pilot
As said, Virginia-Pilot was established in 1865 by Samuel L. Slover. It was launched as a daily newspaper and was quick to gain popularity. It is important to note that Virginia-Pilot was one of the early birds to start publishing news online.
What do they publish?
A daily printed edition of the newspaper circulated in the five cities of South Hampton Roads as well as several smaller towns in southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina. As per the readership survey of 2011, the paper had a circulation of 156,968 copies.
An online news website with sections for news, arts & entertainment, business, sports, politics, local news, latest news, and more.
An e-edition of the paper that can only be accessed by paid subscribers from the paper’s official website.
Virginian Pilot also has an active presence on Social media. Readers can choose to follow these pages for prompt updates.
The Virginian-Pilot Android App
Inside Business
Inside Business is a weekly local newspaper in Virginia covering in-depth local business news from the Hampton Roads region & Norfolk. Established in 1995, the paper is owned by Pilot Targeted Media, a sister concern of The Virginian-Pilot. Today the paper covers the latest news and analysis, people profiles, expert columns, legal notices, public records, and information on the latest mergers, acquisitions and new products.
Inside Business also hosts an online news website that is frequently updated with the local business news from the Hampton Roads region & Norfolk.
Daily Press
As the name suggests, Daily Press is a daily newspaper in Newport News, Virginia. The paper was first established in 1896 and is currently owned by Tribune Publishing. As of 2020, the paper primarily caters to the residents of lower and middle Peninsula of Tidewater Virginia.
Apart from the printed edition of the newspaper, Daily Press also publishes an online news website & an e-edition. Readers can access the online news website & the e-edition for free.
The Virginia Gazette
The Virginia Gazette is a local twice-weekly newspaper owned by Daily Press. Though the paper as we see today was established in 1893 by, the history of the paper can be traced back to its predecessors that were in circulation between 1736 and 1780. As of 2020, The Virginia Gazette is published twice a week and covers news & updates from Williamsburg, James City County and York, Virginia.
They also host an online news website which is frequently updated with the latest news & updates. The Virginia Gazette also publishes an e-edition which readers can access for free from their website.
The Augusta Free Press
The Augusta Free Press is an online news website in Virginia covering news & updates from Waynesboro, the Shenandoah Valley, and all of Virginia. The website was launched in 2002 and as the name suggests, the entire contents on the website are available for free to users.
There are dedicated sections on The Augusta Free Press for local/state news, politics, sports, trending news, videos, top news, and more. Other than these, the paper also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. Readers can choose to follow these social media handles for prompt updates.
Metro Weekly
Metro Weekly is an LGBTQ magazine based in Washington D.C covering daily news, politics, entertainment, and community updates. Established in 1995, the magazine currently serves more than 55,000 people in DC, Maryland & Virginia.
Apart from the printed edition of the magazine, Metro Weekly also hosts an online news website. There are separate sections on the website for news, arts, life, shopping, community, and more.
The Daily Progress
The Daily Progress is a daily newspaper in Charlottesville, Virginia owned by Lee Enterprises. Established in the year 1892, The Daily Progress today covers news and updates from Central Virginia.
Other than the daily printed edition, The Daily Progress also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for news, obituaries, sports, politics, business, and more. The paper also publishes an e-edition that can be accessed from the official website.
The Daily Progress Android App
The Free Lance-Star
The Free Lance-Star is a daily newspaper published in Fredericksburg, Virginia and owned by Lee Enterprises. The paper was first established in 1885 and it is today circulated in the city of Fredericksburg and all or parts of the counties of Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, Caroline, Culpeper, Fauquier, Louisa, Orange, Prince William and Westmoreland.
Apart from the printed edition of the paper, The Free Lance-Star also publishes an online news website and an e-edition.
The Free Lance-Star Android App
The News & Advance
The News & Advance is a daily newspaper in Virginia owned by Lee Enterprises. The history of the paper can be traced back to 1866 and its predecessor The News. Over the years, the paper has undergone a series of mergers, acquisitions & name changes until it was renamed to The News & Advance.
As of 2020, The News & Advance mainly focuses on covering local news of interest to Lynchburg and its surrounding counties. The News & Advance also publishes two other newspapers viz;
Nelson County Times
New Era Progress
Bristol Herald Courier
Bristol Herald Courier is a daily newspaper owned by Lee Enterprises mainly serving Southwest Virginia. The paper was established in 1885 and primarily serves the residents of Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City, and the Tri-Cities area of Virginia.
The paper also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for local news, obituaries, politics, entertainment, lifestyle, and more. Readers can also access the e-edition of the paper from the website.
Bristol Herald Courier Android App
Bristol Herald Courier iOS App
Danville Register & Bee
Danville Register & Bee is a daily newspaper in Virginia catering to the residents of Danville. The paper was established in 1882 as The Daily Register and was later renamed to Danville Register & Bee.
Danville Register & Bee also publishes an e-edition that can be accessed from the paper’s official website.
Danville Register & Bee Online
Danville Register & Bee ePaper
Danville Register & Bee Android App
Danville Register & Bee iOS App
The Winchester Star
The Winchester Star is a daily newspaper in Virginia catering to the readers in the Shenandoah Valley area. The paper was established in the year 1896 and is currently owned by Ogden Newspapers.
The newspaper is headquartered in N.Loudoun St, Ste 110, Winchester and has a circulation of 19,127 copies (As of 2014). Apart from the printed edition of the paper, The Winchester Star also publishes an e-edition which users can access from the website.
Bland County Messenger
Bland County Messenger is a weekly newspaper in Virginia owned by Lee Enterprises. The paper was established in 1904 as The Bland Messenger and was later renamed to Bland County Messenger.
Apart from the printed edition of the paper, Bland County Messenger also publishes an online news website and an e-edition. While most contents on the website are available for free to the users, access to e-edition is restricted to paid subscribers.
The paper is currently owned by Lee Enterprises and they have multiple editions in circulation viz;The Floyd Press – Serving Floyd County
Clinch Valley New – Serving Clinch Valley
Richlands News-Press
Smyth County News & Messenger– Serving Smyth County
Washington County News – Serving Washington County
Wytheville Enterprise – Serving Wytheville
The Northern Virginia Daily
The Northern Virginia Daily is a daily newspaper in Virginia serving the Northern Shenandoah Valley, including Shenandoah County, Frederick County, Clarke County, Warren County and the City of Winchester. The paper was established in 1932 and is currently owned by Ogden Newspapers.
Other than the printed edition of the paper they also publish an online news website and an e-edition.
Kingsport Times-News
Kingsport Times-News is a daily newspaper based out of Tennessee and distributed across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Though the paper as seen today was established in 1943, its predecessor Times had entered into circulation in 1916.
Both the printed edition and online edition of the paper is focussed on reporting the local news & updates from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Kingsport Times-News also publishes an e-edition that can be accessed from the paper’s official website.
Loudoun Times-Mirror is a weekly newspaper in Virginia owned by Times Community Media. Since its inception in the 1800s, the paper has been covering local news, sports, business and community in Loudoun County and Leesburg.
Falls Church News-Press
Falls Church News-Press is a weekly newspaper in Virginia which was established in 1991. The paper is published on Thursdays and is owned by Nicholas Benton.
Falls Church News-Press Online
C-Ville Newspaper
C-Ville is a weekly newspaper in Charlottesville catering to the readers in Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County. Other than the printed edition of the paper, C-Ville also publishes an online news website with dedicated sections for home, news, culture, events, and more.
Style Weekly
Style Weekly is an alternative weekly newspaper in Richmond, Virginia owned by Landmark Media Enterprises. Both the printed edition of the paper and its online edition covers news, arts, culture and opinion from Richmond and its surroundings.
Other than covering news & opinion, Style Weekly also publishes a weekly astrology blog that can be accessed from their website.
The News Leader
The News Leader is a daily newspaper in Virginia owned by Gannett. The paper was established in 1890 as The Daily News and has over the years undergone a series of mergers and acquisitions until it was renamed to The News Leader.
The Cavalier Daily
The Cavalier Daily is a student-run newspaper published by the students at the University of Virginia. The paper was established in 1890 as the College Topics and was later renamed to The Cavalier Daily. Other than the printed edition of the paper, The Cavalier Daily also publishes an online news website.
The Cavalier Daily Android App
Bluefil Daily Telegraph
Bluefil Daily Telegraph is a daily newspaper based out of Bluefield in West Virginia. Established in 1896, the paper is currently owned by community newspaper holdings and has circulation in in McDowell, Mercer and Monroe counties, West Virginia; and Bland, Buchanan, Giles and Tazewell counties, Virginia.
Bluefield Daily Telegraph Online
Bluefield Daily Telegraph ePaper
Bluefield Daily Telegraph Android App
Bluefield Daily Telegraph iOS App
Daily News-Record
As the name suggests, Daily News Record is a daily newspaper published in Virginia and catering to the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia and West Virginia. The paper was established in 1822 as the Rockingham Register and has over the years undergone a series of mergers, acquisitions and name changes until it was renamed to the Daily News record in 1913.
South Hill Enterprise
South Hill Enterprise is a weekly newspaper that is published in Virginia catering to the readers in Mecklenburg and its surroundings. The paper was first launched in 1911 and today publishes an online news website & an e-edition.
Fauquier Times
Fauquier Times is a daily newspaper in Virginia catering to the readers in Fauquier county. The paper was established in 1817 and has since been covering news and updates from Fauquier county. Apart from the daily printed edition of the newspaper, Fauquier Times also publishes an online news website and an e-edition.
Fauquier Times-Democrat Online
Fauquier Times-Democrat ePaper
The Martinsville Bulletin
The Martinsville Bulletin is a daily newspaper in Virginia catering to the readers in the city of Martinsville and the surrounding Henry County. The paper was established in 1889 as The Henry
Bulletin and was over the years renamed to The Martinsville Bulletin.
Other than the printed edition of the paper, The Martinsville Bulletin also publishes an online news website & an e-edition.
The Martinsville Bulletin Online
The Martinsville Bulletin ePaper
The Martinsville Bulletin Android App
The Martinsville Bulletin iOS App
Reston Now
Reston Now is a local news website in Virginia catering to the readers in Reston and Herndon. The website covers the top stories, latest news, and more.
Prince William Times
Prince William Times is a weekly newspaper in Virginia owned by the Piedmont Media LLC. Both the paper and its online news website covers local news and updates from Prince William County, Manassas and surrounding areas.
The paper also has an active presence on social media and the page is regularly updated with the latest news & updates.
Clarke Daily News
Clarke Daily News is an online news blog website in Virginia. The website has blogs written on Business, education, finance, health, home, tech, travel & more.
Fairfax County Times
Fairfax County Times is a weekly newspaper in Virginia catering to the readers in Fairfax County, Virginia. Established in the year 1965, the paper is currently owned by Whip It Media and has a circulation of 129,844 copies. Apart from the printed edition of the paper, Fairfax County Times also publishes an online news website.
Gazette-Virginian
The Gazette-Virginian is a tri-weekly newspaper in Virginia, covering news and updates from Halifax County. Established in the early 1900s the paper is currently the largest newspaper in circulation in Halifax County. Apart from the printed edition of the paper, The Gazette-Virginian also publishes an online news website.
Alexandria Gazette Packet
Alexandria Gazette Packet is an online news website in Virginia covering news & updates from Alexandria.
Alexandria Gazette Packet Online
The News-Virginian
The News Virginian is a daily newspaper in Virginia owned by Lee Enterprises. Established in 1901, the paper currently serves the cities of Waynesboro and Staunton, Virginia, as well as Augusta and Nelson counties.
Other than the printed edition of the paper, The News Virginian also publishes an online news website and an e-edition.
Collegiate Times
Collegiate Times is a weekly student newspaper in Virginia published by The Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech. The paper was established in 1903 and has since been serving the Virginia Tech community. Apart from the printed edition of the paper, Collegiate Times also has an active presence on the web and social media.
Suffolk News-Herald
Suffolk News-Herald is a daily newspaper in Virginia catering to the readers in Suffolk. The paper is circulated for free among its readers and is estimated to have a circulation of 11,013 copies (as of 2014).
The paper also publishes an e-edition which the users can access for free from their website.
Smith Mountain Eagle
Smith Mountain Eagle is a weekly community newspaper in Virginia catering to the Smith Mountain Lake community & Rocky Mount, Bedford and Franklin Counties. The paper was established in 1985 and it is estimated to have a weekly circulation of 11,000 copies.
Other than the printed edition, Smith Mountain Eagle also publishes an online news website and an e-edition.
The Arlington Connection
The Arlington Connection is an online news website in Virginia covering news & updates from Alexandria.
The Arlington Connection Online
Alexandria Times
Alexandria Times is a weekly newspaper in Virginia, catering to the readers in the city of Alexandria. Established in 2005, the paper mainly covers local news, sports, business, pets, and community news. As of 2018, Alexandria Times had a weekly circulation of 19,000 copies.
Culpeper Star-Exponent
Culpeper Star-Exponent is a daily newspaper in Virginia catering to the readers in Culpeper County. Established in 1881 as The Exponent it is a prominent newspaper in Culpeper County. Other than the daily printed edition, Culpeper Star-Exponent also has an active presence on the web & social media platforms.
Culpeper Star-Exponent Android App
Culpeper Star-Exponent iOS App
Conclusion
This list of newspaper & newspapers in Virginia isn’t everything. The fifty-two newspaper & newspapers mentioned in the list are the top ones that are currently in circulation in Virginia. Like the other states in the US, Virginia to has a rich history of journalism. The first newspaper in Virginia entered circulation in 1801 and the media industry in Virginia has come a long way since then.
As of 2020, there are about 220 newspapers & news websites in Virginia. The Virginian-Pilot and the Suffolk News-Herald are the biggest and smallest newspaper in terms of circulation in Virginia. Like all the other states in the US, Virginian newspapers too are struggling to stay afloat.
To stay afloat many small-time newspapers in Virginia like the Northern Virginia Journal, Potomac News, Manassas Journal Messenger, etc. were either forced to merge with other newspapers or switch to digital publication. Meanwhile, the lesser fortunate papers like the Hopewell News, the Hanover Herald Progress, the Caroline Progress, the Clinch Valley Times and the Tazewell were forced to shut down.
Declining circulation of newspapers & the lack of revenue from advertisements has been troubling the newspapers in Virginia for a while. With the US taking a serious hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, the already limping newspaper industry was brought to a standstill.
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