Introduction to Oregon News Media.
Oregon is a US state that is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the country. The state has rivers like the Columbia River and the Snake River that delineate its land with US states Washington and Idaho. California and Nevada are the other two neighbouring states of Oregon.
History of Oregon Newspapers
Oregon witnessed a great migration drive in 1843. As many as 3000 people settled in Oregon City, which welcomed the state’s first newspaper the “Oregon Spectator” on February 5, 1846. The newspaper inspired one of its editors — George L. Curry — to leave The Oregon Spectator to start publishing a newspaper of his own under the title “The Oregon City Free Press” in 1848. The press that published the newspaper was made of wood and scrap iron, though the publication survived for less than eight months.
Rev. John Smith Griffin started publishing a religious newspaper called the “Oregon American & Evangelical Unionist” at Tualatin Plains on June 8, 1848. The Weekly Oregonian was among those numerous newspapers that started publishing in the early 1850’s. The Morning Oregonian and many more entered the media scene as more people migrated West. Nine years later, Oregon became the 33rd state of the United States.
Current State of Media
According to a report published by the Columbia Journalism Review in 2018, the number of statehouse reporters in Oregon started to decline in the mid-2000s. The report quoted many of the past and current members of the press saying that the coverage of state politics has been compromised. It also mentioned a partnership between the Pamplin Media Group and the East Oregonian group that allowed them to share two statehouse reporters to gather all news related to the state government.
Recently, during the George Floyd protests in 2020, Oregon saw only independent journalists covering all the events with local media covering some of them and national media doing nothing.
Oregon newspapers and websites’ list
Here below we present you a list of some of the most prominent newspapers and websites operating in Oregon. With this list of prominent Oregon newspapers and other publications, we have tried to explain the origin, operations, status and relevance of these Oregon based mediahouses.
The Oregonian
The Oregonian is a daily newspaper that is published in the tabloid format in Portland, Oregon. The Oregonian is the oldest newspaper on the U.S. west coast that is still in print. It is owned by the Advance Publications.
Origin And History
The first issue of the newspaper appeared on December 4, 1850. Initially, it was launched as a weekly newspaper by Thomas J. Dryer and was known as The Weekly Oregonian. The weekly publication had four pages. The newspaper started daily publication in 1861. During its initial days, The Oregonian supported Whig Party, hence, locking horns with The Statesman, a Democratic newspaper that was launched soon after it.
Circulation
The newspaper is home-delivered in parts of Marion and Columbia counties. It is also available across Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Yamhill counties in Oregon. Since 2006, it stopped the circulation in southern Oregon Coast and far eastern Oregon. Besides being the largest newspaper in Oregon, The Oregonian is the second-largest newspaper in terms of circulation in the Pacific Northwest. In 2001, the daily got Pulitzer Prize for Public Service
Digital Media Presence
The Oregonian also has a news website with several sections such as politics, crime, business, weather, education and trending news among others. It is available on major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Willamette Week
Willamette Week is a newspaper published in Portland in Oregon. The alternative weekly newspaper was established in November 1974. Published in the tabloid format, currently, it is owned by City of Roses Newspapers. Willamette Week was founded by Ronald A. Buel, who was also its first publisher. Fresh Weekly is its sister publication. As per self-reported 2019 data, the newspaper had a circulation of around 50,000 to 55,000.
News Channel 21
News Channel 21 or KTVZ is a television station licensed to Bend in Oregon. It is a dual NBC/CW+-affiliated TV station and serves Central Oregon. The TV channel is owned by the News-Press & Gazette Company (NPG) since 2002. KTVZ was established by Ray Johnson and C. Howard Lane. It first went on air on November 6, 1977. News Channel 21 also has a website with different sections such as politics, weather, sports, life and many more.
Cascade Business News
Cascade Business News is a business newspaper serving Central Oregon. It is bi-monthly newspaper and appears on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Cascade Business News was launched by Pamela Hulse Andrews in 1993. It is a part of Cascade Publications Inc. Cascade Business News also has a news website. It is available on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Portland Tribune
Portland Tribune is a weekly newspaper that is distributed free of cost in Portland, Oregon. The newspaper appears every Thursday. A part of the Pamplin Media Group, it is published in the broadsheet format. The first issue of Portland Tribune was published on February 9, 2001, by Portland businessman Robert B. Pamplin Jr. It was initially published twice a week. Portland Tribune also has a news website.
Beaverton Valley Times
Beaverton Valley Times is a newspaper published in Beaverton, Oregon. Also known as the Valley Times, it is a weekly newspaper that appears every Thursday. Its origin goes back to 1921 when H. H. Jeffries, acquired the Multnomah Press. It was formed with the merger of four newspapers – Aloha News, Beaverton Enterprise, Multnomah Press, and Tigard Sentinel. It was established in 1951 and was known as The Valley News. Beaverton Valley Times has been a part of the Pamplin Media Group since 2000.
Canby Herald
Canby Herald is a newspaper published on a weekly basis in Canby, Oregon. Established in 1906, it is one of the oldest newspapers in the state. Since 2013, the newspaper has been owned by Pamplin Media Group. It serves Canby and Aurora cities. Earlier, Canby Herald was published twice a week-Wednesdays and Saturdays. It also has a news website. Canby Herald is available on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Central Oregonian
Central Oregonian is a bi-weekly newspaper based in Prineville of Oregon state in the United States. Its origin goes back to 1881. Central Oregonian was formed with the merger of two newspapers- Prineville Call and the Crook County Journal in 1921. Serving Central Oregon, it is also the newspaper of record for Crook County. Earlier owned by Eagle Newspapers, Pamplin Media Group acquired Central Oregonian in June 2013.
Prineville Central Oregonian Online
Estacada News
Estacada News is a newspaper published in the city of Estacada in the U.S. state of Oregon. It appears once a week and is a part of the Pamplin Media Group, owned by Robert B. Pamplin, Jr. Estacada News also has a news website with sections such as opinion, sports, business, classifieds and many more. It is available on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
The Outlook
The Outlook is a bi-weekly newspaper headquartered in Gresham, Oregon. Currently, a part of the Pamplin Media Group, it was founded in 1911. Published by H. L. St. Clair, the newspaper was known as Gresham Outlook until 1991. The Outlook also has a news portal with several sections such as news, sports, business and opinion among others. It is available on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Madras Pioneer
The Madras Pioneer is a newspaper published on a weekly basis in Madras, Oregon. Serving as a newspaper of record for Jefferson County, it was founded in 1904. The newspaper appears every Wednesday. The Madras Pioneer was once owned by Elmo Smith, Oregon governor. In January 2013, the Pamplin Media Group acquired it. It also has a news website with several sections including business and sports. The Madras Pioneer even has social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Molalla Pioneer
Molalla Pioneer is a tabloid newspaper headquartered in Molalla of Oregon. It is published on a weekly basis on Wednesdays. The first issue of Molalla Pioneer appeared in 1913. Pamplin Media Group purchased the newspaper in January 2013. Molalla Pioneer also has a news portal with several sections such as sports, business, news and opinion among others. It is present on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Molalla Molalla Pioneer Online
Newberg Graphic
The Newberg Graphic is an English newspaper based in Newberg, a city in Oregon. Its first issue appeared in 1888. It is published on a weekly basis in the broadsheet format. The weekly was earlier owned by Eagle Newspapers. Since January 2013, The Newberg Graphic has been a part of the Pamplin Media Group. It also has a news website and is present on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Newberg Newberg Graphic Online
Sandy Post
Sandy Post is a weekly newspaper published on Wednesday. Based in Sandy of Oregon, the newspaper was established in 1938. It is owned by the Pamplin Media Group. Before 2000, the newspaper was owned by Lee Enterprises. It serves Sandy, Boring and the Mount Hood communities in Oregon. Sandy Post also has a news portal with several sections and sub-sections such as sports, business, news and opinion among others. It is available on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Woodburn Independent
Woodburn Independent is a weekly newspaper based in Woodburn, a city in Oregon. Published on Wednesdays, it also serves Hubbard, Aurora, Donald, Gervais, St. Paul and Mt. Angel cities along with the neighbouring area of Marion County. The first issue of Woodburn Independent was published on December 1, 1888, by Leonard H. McMahan. The newspaper added Saturday editions in 1999, however, it was discontinued on August 31, 2011. Currently, owned by the Pamplin Media Group, it also has a news website.
Woodburn Woodburn Independent Online
Statesman Journal
Statesman Journal is a daily newspaper headquartered in Salem, a city in Oregon. It is the second-oldest newspaper in Oregon. The first issue of the daily was published on March 28, 1851 by Asahel Bush. Initially, it was known as Oregon Statesman. Later, the newspaper was merged with Capital Journal to form Statesman Journal. It serves Salem, Keizer and some parts of the mid-Willamette Valley. Currently, it is owned by Gannett Company. Statesman Journal also has a news website with sections such as opinion, legal, politics, sports and news among others.
Salem Statesman Journal Online
Salem Statesman Journal ePaper
Salem Statesman Journal Android App
Salem Statesman Journal iOS App
The Bulletin
The Bulletin, owned by EO Media Group, is a daily broadsheet newspaper based in Bend, Oregon. It was established on March 27, 1903 as a weekly newspaper named Bend Bulletin. While the first publisher of the newspaper was Max Lueddemann, Don P. Rea served as the first editor. In 1904, it was acquired by J. M. Lawrence. The Bulletin also has a news portal with several sections like sports, business, and entertainment and explore among others. It is available on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The Register-Guard
The Register Guard is a daily newspaper based in Eugene, a city in Oregon. It was formed with the merger of two newspapers-Eugene Daily Guard and Morning Register. The first issue of The Register Guard was published in 1930. It serves Eugene-Springfield area, Oregon Coast, Umpqua River valley and other neighbouring areas. Currently, it is owned by The Gannett Company. The Register Guard also has a news portal. It is available on Facebook and Twitter as well.
The Register-Guard Android App
Corvallis Gazette-Times
Corvallis Gazette-Times is a daily broadsheet newspaper published in Corvallis, Benton County in Oregon. Founded by T. B. Odeneal in the mid of the American Civil War, its origin dates back to December 1863. Launched as a weekly newspaper, it was initially known as The Corvallis Gazette. In 1909, it got merged with The Corvallis Times. It is currently owned by Lee Enterprises. Albany Democrat-Herald is its sister publication. Corvallis Gazette-Times also has a news website with sections such as lifestyles, entertainment, opinion, sports and news among others.
Corvallis Gazette-Times Online
Corvallis Gazette-Times ePaper
Corvallis Gazette-Times Android App
Mail Tribune
Mail Tribune is a daily newspaper published in Medford, Oregon. Founded by George Putnam, the newspaper serves Jackson County, Josephine County, northern California, Central Point, Talent, Eagle Point, Grants Pass and other cities in Rogue Valley. Mail Tribune was formed on November 1, 1909 with the merger of two newspapers- Medford Mail and Medford Tribune. The Mail Tribune claims to be the first newspaper in Oregon newspaper to win a Pulitzer Prize.
Source Weekly
The Source Weekly is a newspaper in Oregon that is published once in a week on Wednesday. Distributed free of cost, it is circulated across Central Oregon. It was established by Aaron and Angela Switzer in 1907. The Source Weekly is also a part of the Association of Alternative Newsmedia. Amid coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the newspaper shut down its operations for seven weeks. The Source Weekly also has a news portal.
News-Register
News-Register is a semi-weekly broadsheet newspaper based in McMinnville, Oregon. It appears on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. The community newspaper serves McMinnville and the adjoining Yamhill Valley. Founded in 1866, it is owned by Bladine family of McMinnville. News-Register also has a news portal. It is available on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well.
McMinnville News-Register Online
Capital Press
Capital Press is an agricultural newspaper published on a weekly basis. Based in Salem, it covers the West Coast of the United States. Owned by EO Media Group, its first issue appeared in February 1928. Established by Abner M. Church, the newspaper got its current name in December 1932. Capital Press also has a website, mobile applications and social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Salem Capital Press Android App
The World
The World is a Coos Bay-based biweekly newspaper of Oregon. With its prime focus on Oregon’s South Coast, The World serves cities of Coos Bay, Reedsport, North Bend, Bandon, Coquille, Lakeside and Myrtle Point.
Bandon Western World
Bandon Western World is a weekly newspaper based in Coos Bay of Oregon. In 2003, the newspaper was acquired by Southwestern Oregon Publishing Company and Country Media, Inc in January 2020. However, Bandon Western World suspended its print edition in August 2020 and is now available as a website.
Reedsport Umpqua Post
The Umpqua Post is a Reedsport-based weekly newspaper in Oregon. The Wednesday paper also covers Coos and Douglas counties. The World newspaper of Coos Bay publishes the newspaper that claims an average circulation of 1,528 copies.
Albany Democrat-Herald
The Albany Democrat-Herald is an Oregon-based daily newspaper, which is owned by the Lee Enterprises of Iowa. Corvallis Gazette-Times, Lebanon Express and Philomath Express are sister publications of The Albany Democrat-Herald.
Albany Democrat-Herald Android App
Albany Democrat-Herald iOS App
Herald and News
The Herald and News is an Oregon-based newspaper for the coverage of Klamath Falls and Klamath County. The daily newspaper is also circulated in Lake County. Gerry O’Brien acts as the General Manager and Editor of The Herald and News as of 2021.
Albany Democrat-Herald Android App
Albany Democrat-Herald iOS App
16KMTR
16KMTR is a Eugene-based television channel and news website in Oregon. News, Weather, Coronavirus, Features, Chime In and Watch are among the sections of the 16KMTR website, which has its social media presence on Facebook and Twitter.
News-Review
The News-Review is a Roseburg-based community newspaper in Oregon. Besides Roseburg, the newspaper that comes for six days in a week also covers Canyonville, Myrtle Creek, Glide, Oakland, Sutherlin and Winston.
The Astorian
The Astorian is an Astoria-based newspaper that has been in publication in Oregon since 1873. Besides Astoria, the newspaper also serves Warrenton, the Long Beach Peninsula and the Seaside region. Owned by EO Media Group, The Astorian has an average circulation of 8,400 copies.
The Daily Astorian Android App
The Daily Barometer
The Daily Barometer is a college newspaper published by the Oregon State University in Corvallis. The newspaper comes on a weekly basis during the three seasons and monthly during the summer season.
East Oregonian
The East Oregonian is a Pendleton-based newspaper that publishes daily for the coverage of Umatilla and Morrow counties in Oregon. The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association awarded The East Oregonian General Excellence award in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Pendleton East Oregonian Online
Pendleton East Oregonian ePaper
Pendleton East Oregonian Android App
Pendleton East Oregonian iOS App
Daily Vanguard
The Daily Vanguard is a news website based in Oregon. Business, Education, Health, Home Improvement, Science & Tech, Fashion & Lifestyle, Travel, Sports and General are among the sections of news on the The Daily Vanguard website.
Eugene Weekly
Eugene Weekly is a newspaper that publishes on an alternative weekly basis in Oregon. According to the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies, the Thursday paper had a circulation of 39,850 in 2008. Eugene Weekly is popularly known for publishing an annual “Best of Eugene” list, restaurant guide called “Chow!” and various special sections on music, festivals, wine, travel and health.
Daily Emerald
The Daily Emerald is a college newspaper published by the students of the University of Oregon in Eugene. The weekly newspaper was part of the Oregon Daily Emerald newspaper, which was established in 1899. The newspaper has trained many prominent journalists and writers in the past.
Baker City Herald
The Baker City Herald is a newspaper that comes on a tri-weekly basis in Oregon. Owned by EO Media Group, The Baker City Herald was established in 1870. It is available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and has an average circulation of 2,304.
Hood River News
The Hood River News is a newspaper that publishes on a semi-weekly basis in Oregon. The newspaper owned by Eagle Newspapers was launched in 1905. The Hood River News publishes on Wednesday and Saturday and had a circulation of 4,226 in 2019, according to Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.
Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association
The Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association is an organisation that registers all paid-circulation daily, weekly and monthly publications of Oregon. The primary job of the organisation is to represent and promote the newspapers besides awarding them for exemplary work.
Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association Online
Salem News
Salem News is a news website based in Oregon. News by Date, Sports, Video Reports, Weather, Business News, Military News, Road Report and Cannabis News are among the sections on the Salem News website.
Grants Pass Daily Courier
The Grants Pass Daily Courier is a family-owned newspaper that is published daily in Grants Pass, Oregon. It is also circulated in Josephine County, Douglas and Jackson counties. Owned by Courier Publishing Company, The Grants Pass Daily Courier was established in 1885.
Grants Pass Daily Courier Online
Grants Pass Daily Courier ePaper
Grants Pass Daily Courier Android App
Grants Pass Daily Courier iOS App
Portland State Vanguard
Portland State Vanguard is a college newspaper published by the Portland State University in Oregon. Earlier, the Tabloid size independent paper was known as the Daily Vanguard and Vet’s Extended.
The Lincoln City News Guard
The Lincoln City News Guard is a weekly newspaper that has been serving Lincoln City since 1927. The Wednesday paper was earlier known as the North Lincoln News Guard. In 1939, The Lincoln City News Guard got its current name with the merger of Coast Guard and Beach Resort News.
Lincoln City News Guard Online
Lincoln City News Guard ePaper
Blue Mountain Eagle
The Blue Mountain Eagle is a John Day-based newspaper of Oregon that publishes on every Wednesday. Formed in 1868, The Blue Mountain Eagle had a circulation of 2,491 in 2016, according to Oregon Newspaper Publisher’s Association.
Blue Mountain Eagle Android App
Beacon
The Beacon is a college newspaper published by the students of the University of Portland in Oregon. In 1935, the newspaper adopted its current name at a Catholic school. A member of the College Publisher Network, The Beacon is published on every Thursday.
The Dalles Chronicle
The Dalles Chronicle is a newspaper in Oregon that comes on a twice-weekly basis. Besides The Dalles city, the newspaper covers eastern Columbia Gorge region, Sherman Counties and Wasco as well. The first issue of The Dalles Chronicle was published on December 10, 1890.
The Polk County Itemizer-Observer
The Polk County Itemizer-Observer is a Dallas-based newspaper of Oregon. Besides Dallas, the weekly newspaper also covers Monmouth, Independence and Falls City. Owned by Eagle Newspapers, The Polk County Itemizer-Observer was first appeared in 1875.
Dallas Itemizer-Observer Online
Argus Observer
The Argus Observer is an Ontario-based newspaper that has been published daily since January 6, 1897. The title of the newspaper is inspired by a Greek mythologic creature, Argus Panoptes, which had 100 eyes. Wick Communications owns The Argus Observer.
Ontario Argus Observer Android App
Ontario Argus Observer iOS App
Wallowa County Chieftain
The Wallowa County Chieftain is a newspaper based in Enterprise of the Wallowa County, Oregon. S. A. Heckethorn had established the newspaper in 1884 in Joseph. In 1911, George Cheney bought the newspaper operations and announced him the editor and publisher.
Wallowa County Chieftain Online
Wallowa County Chieftain ePaper
Wallowa County Chieftain Android App
Wallowa County Chieftain iOS App
Ashland Daily Tidings
The Ashland Daily Tidings is a Rosebud Media-owned newspaper of Oregon. Mail Tribune is its sister publication in Medford. The morning paper is circulated from Monday to Saturday. Despite a smaller circulation, The Ashland Daily Tidings is serving the state since 1876.
The Headlight-Herald
The Headlight-Herald is a Tillamook-based weekly newspaper that has been publishing since 1888. Country Media is the publisher of the Wednesday newspaper, which claims to have a circulation of 7,486. Tillamook County uses the newspaper for its record.
Tillamook Headlight-Herald Online
Tillamook Headlight-Herald ePaper
The Daily Journal of Commerce
The Daily Journal of Commerce is a Portland-based newspaper that publishes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. With its focus on business news, The Daily Journal of Commerce also features news related to construction, law, real estate and public notices.
Portland Journal of Commerce Online
Conclusion
Media in Oregon is mostly based in Portland. Many of the country’s long-established newspapers as well as television and radio stations operate from Oregon. The newspapers that publish in Oregon are also distributed in Vancouver of Washington state.
Prominent Papers
According to the “data as of January 2021” maintained by Agility PR, The Oregonian is the most read newspaper in the state. The Bulletin, which has been serving Bend and Central Oregon since 1903, is the second most read newspaper in Oregon. Statesman Journal, The Register-Guard and Mail Tribune are the next most prominent newspapers of the state covering the Mid-Willamette Valley, Lane County and Southern Oregon respectively.
Corvallis Gazette-Times, Albany Democrat-Herald, Grants Pass Daily Courier, Herald and News and The News-Review are other newspapers that come in top 10 most circulated Oregon newspapers.
Current Status
As many as 16 daily newspapers publish in Oregon. More than 90 newspapers publish on a weekly, semi-weekly and monthly basis. The Source Weekly, Eugene Weekly, The Portland Mercury and Willamette Week are four alternative newspapers of Oregon, while Klamath Falls News is the state’s sole digital only newspaper.
While 20 college newspaper operate in the state, more than 100 newspapers are no longer in print in Oregon.
While the propelling industry knows no bounds, we at MediaBuzz are working hard to provide encyclopedic coverage of all the news sources. We are a team of professional writers with a knack for the trends in the world of journalism.
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