Introduction to Minnesota News Media.
Minnesota is a US state that was admitted into the country on May 11, 1858, from the Minnesota Territory. Minnesota is also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” and has an official motto “L’Étoile du Nord” which means “The Star of the North” in the French language.
More than half of Minnesota’s population reside in the metropolitan area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. They are also called the “Twin Cities” of Minnesota and are the hub of transportation, industry, business, education, government and arts. Duluth, Moorhead, Mankato, St. Cloud and Rochester are among the urban centres of the state.
Media in Minnesota
The Twin Cities are also the media hub of Minnesota. Nielsen Media Research ranks it as the 15th largest media market in the country. Duluth–Superior, Fargo–Moorhead, Rochester–Mason City–Austin and Mankato are among the other media hubs of the state.
The television media is most popular in Minnesota as it started on April 27, 1948, with the emergence of the KSTP-TV broadcasting. CBS and FOX are other popular tv broadcasts operating in Minnesota, which boasts of 39 analog and 23 digital broadcast stations.
History of Minnesota Newspapers
The Pioneer Press is the first newspaper published in Minnesota and it was founded by James M. Goodhue in 1849. The second newspaper of the state Saint Paul Dispatch was launched in 1868. The Pioneer Press, The Star Tribune, Duluth News Tribune, and Post-Bulletin are among the most popular surviving newspapers of the US state.
The news website business is also booming in Minnesota with portals like The UpTake, Twin Cities Daily Planet and MinnPost leading the Internet media. Finance and Commerce and Minnesota Independent are among the well-known business websites operating in Minnesota.
Here is the list of the top newspapers & news websites in Minnesota.
Star Tribune
Star Tribune is a daily newspaper in Minnesota owned by Star Tribune Media Company LLC. The paper was established in 1867 and it is currently published throughout the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.
History
Though Star Tribune as seen today was established in 1982 its history can be traced back to its predecessor Minneapolis Tribune that was established in 1867. The paper was quick to gain popularity within a few months after launch. In 1930, Minneapolis Tribune consolidated with Minneapolis Daily Star but they remained separate publications.
It was in 1982 the two newspapers merged to form the Star Tribune as seen today.
What do they publish?
- A daily printed edition of the newspaper that is primarily circulated throughout the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. As of 2019, the paper had a daily circulation of 251,820 copies.
- A news website covering breaking news, multimedia, reviews & opinion on Minneapolis, St. Paul, the Twin Cities metro area and Minnesota. There are dedicated sections on the website for local news, sports, business, opinion, headlines, obituaries, classifieds, and more.
Other than these, Star Tribune also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter with the social media handles regularly updated with the latest news & updates.
Pioneer Press
Pioneer Press, also known as the St. Paul Pioneer Press is a daily newspaper in Minnesota. The paper is owned by Digital First Media and it mainly serves the Twin Cities metropolitan area in the state. It is also widely circulated in Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington counties, along with western Wisconsin, and eastern Minnesota.
History
Though the paper as seen today hit the newsstands only in 1990, its history can be traced back to Minnesota’s first newspaper Minnesota Pioneer that was established in 1849 & the Saint Paul Dispatch established in1868.
In 1927, Rider Publicationacquired Minnesota Pioneer & the Saint Paul Dispatch. The two newspapers remained in circulation as separate newspapers until it was merged in 1985 and reamed to St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch. Over the years, the paper was renamed to St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch, as seen today.
What do they publish?
- A daily newspaper that is primarily circulated in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. As of 2013, the paper had a daily circulation of 2208,280 copies & 284,507 copies on Sundays.
- A news website with dedicated sections for news, local news, business, sports, food, things to do, and more
- E-edition of the paper the access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead is a daily newspaper based in North Dakota that is also circulated in Moorhead, Minnesota. The paper was established in 1891 and has over the years grown to become a prominent publication in the region. Apart from the daily printed edition, The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead also publishes a news website.
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Online
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead ePaper
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead Android App
Duluth News-Tribune
Duluth News-Tribune is a newspaper in Minnesota owned by Forum Communications. The paper was established in 1869 and is primarily circulated in northeastern Minnesota, northwestern Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
History
The history of Duluth News-Tribune can be traced back to the first newspaper to be published in Duluth, The Duluth Minnesotian. The Duluth Minnesotian over the years underwent a series of mergers, acquisitions, & name changes before becoming the Duluth News-Tribune in 1988.
What do they publish?
- A printed edition of the newspaper that is published twice a week.
- A news website with dedicated sections for news, weather updates, sports news, latest news, and more.
- An e-edition of the paper that is published seven days a week. Access to e-edition is restricted to paid customers.
Duluth News-Tribune Android App
Post Bulletin
The Post Bulletin is a daily newspaper in Rochester, Minnesota owned by forum communications. The paper was established in 1872 and it today covers all facets of news and updates from Rochester, Olmsted County and Minnesota.
Though the history of the newspaper can be traced back to 1872 and its predecessor Central Record, the paper as seen today was established in 1925. Today other than the daily printed edition of the newspaper, The Post Bulletin also publishes a news website & an e-edition. While readers can access the contents on the website for free, access to e-edition is restricted to paid subscribers.
MinnPost
MinnPost is a free online newspaper that was established in 2007 by Joel Kramer & Laurie Kramer. The website since its inception has been primarily focused on covering news & updates on politics, governmental activities, science, health, arts, culture, & more. There are dedicated sections on the website for each of these categories.
While MinnPost is available to the readers for free, there is also a provision for the readers to contribute to the publication. MinnPost also has an active presence on Facebook with its pages regularly updated on the latest news & updates.
Grand Forks Herald
Grand Forks Herald is a daily newspaper published in North Dakota & serving northwest Minnesota. The paper was established in 1879 and has since been serving the communities in North Dakota & serving northwest Minnesota.
Apart from the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for news, weather, sports, obituaries, health, business, and more.
Grand Forks Herald Android App
St. Cloud Times
St. Cloud Times is a daily newspaper in Minnesota primarily catering to the readers in Central Minnesota. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, life, opinion, business, obituaries, and more. St. Cloud Times also publishes an e-edition of the newspaper the access to which is restricted to paid subscribers.
Caledonia Argus
Caledonia Argus is a local daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the readers in Caledonia, Huston County and the adjacent cities in Huston County. Other than the printed edition of the newspaper they also publish a news website with a dedicated section for community news, sports, opinion, obituaries, jobs, classifieds, and more.
The paper also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter. Readers can also choose to follow their social media profiles for regular updates.
The Forest Lake Times
The Forest Lake Times is a daily newspaper in Minnesota covering news, sports, and events. Other than the printed edition of a newspaper, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for news, sports, opinion, obituaries, local events, announcements, and more. The paper also has an active presence on Facebook & Twitter.
Morrison County Record
Morrison County Record is a weekly newspaper in Minnesota serving the residents of Morrison County & parts of Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Benton, Stearns and Todd counties in Central Minnesota. Other than the printed edition, they also publish a news website with dedicated sections for community news, sports, opinion, local events, jobs, classifieds, and more.
Sun Patriot Newspapers
Sun Patriot Newspapers is a group of weekly newspapers comprised of the Waconia Patriot, Greater Carver County News & Times and the Laker Pioneer.
Remnant
Remnant is a biweekly Catholic newspaper in Minnesota owned by The Remnant, Inc. Though the paper as seen today was established in 1967, its history can be traced back to The Wanderer, the oldest Catholic newspaper in the country. The paper & its online website is primarily focused on covering news & updates concerning the catholic church in the state.
Detroit Lakes Tribune
Detroit Lakes Tribune is a daily newspaper in Minnesota primarily serving Becker county & surrounding areas. The paper was established in 1879 & is currently owned by Forum Communications Company. Today the paper publishes a news website, an e-edition, and has an active presence on social media.
Detroit Lakes Tribune Android App
Chanhassen Villager
Chanhassen villager is a weekly newspaper in Minnesota covering community, government, sports and entertainment news and information. Other than the weekly printed edition, Chanhassen villager also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for community news, sports, obituaries, classifieds, and more.
Chaska Herald
Chaska Herald is a weekly newspaper in Minnesota covering news & updates from Chaska. The paper was first established as the Valley Herald in the 1850s and was over the years renamed to Chaska Herald. Today other than the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website & has an active social media presence.
Jordan Independent
Jordan Independent is a weekly newspaper published by Southwest news media and is a sister concern of Chaska Herald, Chanhassen villager, & Prior Lake American. Apart from the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website & has an active presence on the web.
Prior Lake American
Prior Lake American is a weekly newspaper published by Southwest news media catering to the readers in Prior Lake. Other than the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for community news, sports, obituaries, classifieds, and more.
Shakopee Valley News
Shakopee Valley News is a weekly newspaper published by Southwest News Media catering to the readers in Shakopee since 1862. Other than the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for community news, sports, obituaries, classifieds, and more.
Finance & Commerce
As the name suggests, Finance and Commerce is a business newspaper published daily catering to the business community in Twin-Cities & Rochester. The paper was first established in 1887 and is currently owned by Bridge Tower Media.
The Business Journal
The business Journal is the Minnesota edition of the nationwide publication, the Biz Journal. As the name suggests, it is a business newspaper, and its Minnesota edition is primarily focused on covering local business news & updates from the twin cities (Minneapolis / St Paul City). Other than the printed edition of the paper, The Business Journal also publishes a news website.
West Central Tribune
West Central Tribune is a twice-weekly newspaper in Minnesota published on Saturdays & Sundays. The paper was established in 1895 and has since been catering to the residents of Wilmar & surrounding communities. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website & also has an active presence on social media.
West Central Tribune Android App
Faribault Daily News
Faribault Daily News is a local daily newspaper in Minnesota, catering to the readers in Faribault & surrounding communities. The paper was established in 1948 and is currently owned by Adams Publishing Group. Other than the daily printed edition, they also publish a news website & has an active social media presence too.
Northfield News
Northfield News is a local weekly newspaper in Minnesota primarily catering to the Rice County community in southeastern Minnesota. The paper was established in 1878 and it has over the years become a prominent local newspaper in the state. Other than the printed edition of the paper, they also publish a news website & also has an active presence on social media.
Owatonna People’s Press
Owatonna People’s Press is a daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the residents of Steele County. The paper was established in 1874 and is currently owned by Adams Publishing Group. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website with dedicated sections for news, local ads, sports, opinion, obituaries, jobs, classifieds, and more.
Owatonna People’s Press Online
Owatonna People’s Press ePaper
The Kenyon Leader
The Kenyon Leader is a weekly newspaper in Minnesota covering news & updates from Kenyon, Minnesota. The paper was first established in 1885 and is currently owned by Adams Publishing Group. Other than the printed edition of the newspaper they also publish a news website that is updated frequently with the latest news & updates.
Herald Review
Herald Review is a bi-weekly community newspaper in Minnesota catering to the readers in Itasca County with local news & updates. The paper was established in 1896 and it currently covers business, government, sports, education, arts, events, local law reports and more. Other than the printed edition of the newspaper, the paper also publishes a news website & also has an active presence on social media.
The Pine Journal
The Pine Journal is a local newspaper in Minnesota covering news & updates from Carlton County & its surroundings. The paper was established in 1884 and it today publishes a news website & an e-edition.
Brainerd Dispatch
Brainerd Dispatch is a daily newspaper in Minnesota whose printed edition is published on Wednesdays & Sundays and is published as an e-paper during the rest of the days. The paper was established in 1881 and it is today primarily circulated in Crow Wing County in Minnesota.
Hibbing Daily Tribune
Hibbing Daily Tribune is a daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the readers in Saint Louis County. The paper was established in 1893 and is currently owned by the Adams Publishing Group & it had a daily circulation of 3749 copies as of 2019.
Mesabi Daily News
Mesabi Daily News is a newspaper in Virginia, Minnesota that is published in both print & digital format. The paper was established in 1893 and is currently owned by Adams Publishing Group and it primarily caters to the readers in Saint Louis County.
Minnesota Daily
Minnesota Daily is a twice-weekly newspaper published by the students at the University of Minnesota. Established in 1900 & with a circulation of 10,000 copies Minnesota Daily is the largest student newspaper in the United States. Other than the printed edition of the newspaper, Minnesota Daily also publishes a news website & an email newsletter.
Echo Press
Echo Press is a twice-weekly newspaper in Minnesota owned by forum communications that are published in both print & online. Both the paper & its online website is primarily focused on covering news & updates from Douglas County, Minnesota. Other than the twice-weekly newspaper, Echo Press also publishes the weekly Lakeland Shopping Guide & other supplements.
Winona Daily News
Winona Daily News is a daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the readers in Winona & its surrounding areas. This history of the paper can be traced back to 1855 when it was first established as Winona Republican making it the second oldest newspaper to be in continuous circulation.
The Bemidji Pioneer
The Bemidji Pioneer is a daily newspaper in Minnesota owned by Forum Communications. The paper was established in 1896 and it today caters to the readers in Beltrami County & had a daily circulation of 4,800 copies as of 2018. Other than the daily newspaper, The Bemidji Pioneer also publishes a news website.
The Bemidji Pioneer Android App
The Free Press
The Free Press is a daily newspaper in Minnesota primarily catering to the readers in South-Central Minnesota. The paper was first established in 1887 and it is now owned by community newspapers holdings. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website and an e-edition.
Southwest Journal
Southwest Journal is a Bi-weekly community newspaper published by the Minnesota Premier Publications. Established in 1990 the paper currently serves 21 communities in Minnesota and it has a circulation of 32,000 copies as of 2019. Other than the printed edition of the paper, Southwest Journal also publishes a news website and they also have an active presence on social media.
Hutchinson Leader
Hutchinson Leader is a local newspaper in Minnesota primarily catering to the readers in the Hutchinson area. The paper was established in 1880 and has since been covering news and updates from McLeod County.
The Gustavian Weekly
The Gustavian Weekly is a student newspaper published by the students at The Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota. The paper was established in 1891 and has since been covering news & updates from the college.
The Daily Journal
The Daily Journal is a daily newspaper in Minnesota owned by Wick Communications. Established in 1873, the paper is primarily focused on covering news & updates from Otter Tail County. Other than the printed edition, The Daily Journal also publishes a news website & also has an active presence on social media.
Daily Globe
Daily Globe is a weekly newspaper in Minnesota. Established in 1925, the paper primarily caters to the readers in Worthington & its surroundings. Other than the printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website & has an active presence on social media.
The Pilot-Independent
The Pilot-Independent is a weekly newspaper in Minnesota that was established in 1976. The paper currently caters to the readers in Walker & surrounding cities.
The Catholic Spirit
The Catholic Spirit is a bi-weekly newspaper in Minneapolis published by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese and was established in 1911. Other than the printed edition, they also publish a news website.
Austin Daily Herald
Austin Daily Herald is a daily newspaper in Minnesota published by Boone newspapers. The paper first hit the newsstands in 1891 and as of 2020, it had a circulation of 5,280 copies.
Fillmore County Journal
Fillmore County Journal is a weekly newspaper in Minnesota catering to the readers in Bluff County. Other than the weekly printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website that is regularly updated with the latest news & updates.
Fillmore County Journal Online
Albert Lea Tribune
Albert Lea Tribune is a daily newspaper in Minnesota that was established in 1897. The paper is owned by Boone newspapers & had a circulation of 3,336 copies in 2019. Other than the printed edition of the paper, they also publish a news website and an e-edition.
Aitkin Independent Age
Aitkin Independent Age is a daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the readers in Atkin County. The paper was first established in 1883 and was declared the official newspaper of the county in 1912. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website.
Minnesota Spokesman-Record
Minnesota Spokesman-Record is a weekly newspaper in Minneapolis owned by Tracey Williams-Dillard. The paper was established in 1934 and has since been catering to the African-American community in the US. Other than the daily printed edition, the paper also publishes a news website that is updated frequently.
Minnesota Spokesman-Record Online
The Journal
The Journal, also known as The Ulm Journal is a daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the readers in New Ulm.
Wahpeton Daily News
Wahpeton Daily News is a daily newspaper based in North Dakota catering to the readers in communities of Wahpeton and Breckenridge, Wilkin County, Minnesota. The paper was established in 1971 and is currently owned by Wick Communications.
Redwood Falls Gazette
Redwood Falls Gazette is a daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the residents of the Redwood Falls Area. The paper is published in both print & online editions.
Redwood Falls Gazette Android App
Fairmont Sentinel
Fairmont Sentinel is a daily newspaper in Minnesota catering to the residents of Martin County. The paper was established in 1885 and is currently owned by Ogden Newspapers. The paper is available in both print & online and they also have an active presence on social media.
Mac Weekly
Mac Weekly is a weekly newspaper published by the students at Macalester College. The paper is available in both print & online, and they also have an active presence on social media.
Conclusion
The newspapers & news websites listed in this article is not the complete list of news publications that are currently published in Minnesota. Instead, these are some of the top ones that are currently in circulation. Out of these, Star Tribune is the leading newspaper in terms of circulation & the Mac Weekly the smallest.
Though Minnesota is a state with a rich history of Journalism, the newspaper industry in the state is now struggling. With better internet penetration & the popularity of online mediums for consuming news, newspapers began losing readership & advertisements. According to an estimate, the newspapers in the US had generated $48.7 million in 2000 through revenue from circulation. By 2020 this had fallen to $16 million.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the dwindling revenue from advertisements hit zero for most newspapers. The weekly newspapers were the worst affected ones as most of them were greatly dependent on revenue from Advertisements. In a desperate attempt to stay afloat most Minnesota newspapers had to cut down their print schedule and were forced to convert to a weekly newspaper.
The lesser fortunate ones like the International Falls Journal & City Pages were withdrawn from circulation. In fact, this is not just the case with Minnesota newspapers. Instead, this is happening across the country. It is estimated that around 70 local newspapers were closed in America during the first wave of the pandemic.
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!
Would you mind helping us find answers to these questions?
- What are the top three newspapers in Minnesota?
- How well do you think the local newspapers are doing in Minnesota?
- Did we miss any deserving newspaper or news website?
- Are there any community newspapers in Minnesota?
- Which is the best newspaper in Minnesota for business, entertainment, and sports news?
- Do you have any other information for us related to newspapers in Minnesota?
- Are there any newspapers in Minnesota that went bankrupt?
Please drop your answers in 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 background in media/journalism/mass communication to contribute more articles. If you are an expert in the Minnesota 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 Minnesota media.
For more details, please contact us at mediabuzz.org@gmail.com.