by The Top 10 Most Read Michigan Newspapers encompass various publications serving different regions and communities across the state. Local newspapers like these are vital as they foster a sense of community, keep residents informed about local events, issues, and developments, and provide a platform for local businesses to reach their target audience.
According to the Local News Initiative, Michigan has lost nearly 30% of its newspapers since 2005. Local news is crucial as it holds local governments accountable by reporting on their activities, decisions, and policies, ensuring transparency and creating an informed citizenry.
Table of Contents – Michigan Newspapers
How Many Newspapers Are There in Michigan?
According to the news site officalusa.com, 318 Michigan newspapers are currently published in the state. Of those, only 19 are published daily. The largest newspaper in terms of circulation is the jointly run Detroit News and Detroit Free Press. However, many other papers cover more local news outside the Detroit Metropolitan Area.
The smallest circulating newspaper is the Jonesville Independent. However, Yelp indicated this newspaper as closed. The smallest Division I newspaper in Michigan that we know of is the weekly Minden City Herald with a weekly circulation of about 1,200.
There is an approximate newspaper circulation of over 5.5 million in Michigan.
What are the Largest Circulating Newspapers in Michigan?
According to Agility PR Solutions, the most prominent newspapers in terms of circulation are the following:
The Detroit Free Press
The Detroit Free Press is a renowned newspaper serving the metropolitan Detroit area since 1831. It has established itself as a trusted news source, providing comprehensive coverage of local, national, and international events. The newspaper is known for its investigative journalism, in-depth reporting, and commitment to delivering accurate and unbiased information. The Detroit Free Press has received numerous accolades and awards for its exceptional journalism, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes. It’s circulation, (Daily: 234,579; Sunday: 639,350) gives it the title of the most read Michigan Newspapers in the state.
The Detroit News
The Detroit News is a reputable and long-standing newspaper serving the Detroit area since 1873. It has established itself as a trusted source of news, covering a wide range of topics, including local, national, and international news, politics, business, sports, and entertainment. Circulation; Daily: 141,000; Sunday: 220,000
The Grand Rapids Press
The Grand Rapids Press is a prominent newspaper serving the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and its surrounding areas. Established in 1893, it has a long-standing history of delivering quality journalism and serving as a reliable news source for the community. Part of the MLive Media Group. Circulation; Daily: 72,500; Sunday: 98,000
The Oakland Press
The Oakland Press is a renowned newspaper that holds a special place in the hearts of its readers. What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering accurate, unbiased, and high-quality news to the community it serves. With a history of over 175 years, The Oakland Press has become a trusted source of information for Oakland County, Michigan residents. Its dedicated team of journalists and reporters work tirelessly to cover various topics, including local news, sports, entertainment, business, and more. Circulation; Daily: 45,000; Sunday: 60,000
The Lansing State Journal
The Lansing State Journal is a reputable and most read Michigan newspapers in Lansing, Michigan. Its publishing in mid-Michigan, dating back to 1855, has served the local community for over a century. The Lansing State Journal is known for its investigative journalism, in-depth state government reporting, and commitment to journalistic integrity. Circulation; Daily: 40,330; Sunday: 65,904
The Flint Journal
The Flint Journal is a well-established newspaper that serves the Flint, Michigan, community. With a long history dating back to 1876, it has been a trusted source of news and information for the residents of Flint and the surrounding areas. The newspaper covers many topics, including local news, politics, sports, entertainment, and business. Circulation; Daily: 33,215 (weekly edition)
The Record-Eagle
The Record-Eagle is a reputable newspaper that serves the northwest region of Michigan. Established in Traverse City in 1858, it has provided the community with reliable and up-to-date news for over 160 years. With a dedicated team of journalists and editors, the Record-Eagle covers many topics, including local news, sports, entertainment, and business. Circulation: 17,209 Daily 21,846 Sunday
The Macomb Daily
The Macomb Daily is a newspaper that covers news and events in Macomb County, Michigan. It provides local coverage of various topics, including politics, crime, education, business, and sports. It was an early adopter of placing its news online. Circulation: 10,000 Daily, 37,348 Sunday
Kalamazoo Gazette
The Kalamazoo Gazette is a prominent newspaper serving the Kalamazoo, Michigan, community since 1833. With a dedicated team of journalists and reporters, the Kalamazoo Gazette strives to provide in-depth, comprehensive local news coverage, covering various topics, including politics, business, sports, and entertainment. Circulation 9,290 daily 20,716 Sunday (as of 2022)
The Ann Arbor News
The Ann Arbor News is a prominent newspaper serving Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the surrounding areas. The paper publishes print editions on Thursdays and Sundays and daily online publications through MLive.com. Established in 1835, it has a long history of providing its readers with reliable and comprehensive news coverage. The Ann Arbor News covers many topics, including local news, politics, business, sports, and entertainment. Circulation: 8,196 Daily 14,352 Sunday (as of 2022)
The Muskegon Chronicle
The Muskegon Chronicle is a prominent daily newspaper serving the community of Muskegon, Michigan. Established in 1857, it has been a trusted local news and information source for over 160 years. The Chronicle covers various topics, including politics, business, sports, entertainment, and community events. Circulation: 6,544 Daily 11,725 Sunday (as of 2022)
Bay City Times
The Bay City Times is a well-established newspaper serving Bay City, Michigan, since 1873. It is a three-time weekly newspaper, plus a joint edition with The Saginaw News. It provides residents with the latest local news, sports coverage, community events, and entertainment news. The paper is known for its in-depth reporting and analysis, ensuring readers are well-informed about important issues. Circulation: 4,387 Daily 8,486 Sunday
Huron Daily Tribune
The Huron Daily Tribune is a daily newspaper serving the city of Bad Axe, Michigan, and its surrounding areas in Huron County. It is the only daily newspaper in the county and significantly influences local news, events, and community happenings.
In 1979, Hearst took over the Huron Publishing Company based in Bad Axe, Michigan, in the Thumb area of Huron County. This takeover also incorporated Huron Publishing’s weekly newspapers in the neighboring counties, namely the Marlette Leader in Tuscola and the Vassar Pioneer Times in Sanilac. Circulation: 2,000
Final Thoughts About Our Most Read Michigan Newspapers
In conclusion, Michigan’s most-read newspapers have consistently demonstrated their value in providing residents with comprehensive, trustworthy, and timely news. Publications such as the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and the Grand Rapids Press have stood the test of time, delivering high-quality journalism in print and online formats. They offer readers a broad spectrum of news, from local events and issues to national and global matters. These newspapers have proved to be an indispensable source of information, contributing significantly to the democratic discourse in the state. Their continued relevance and popularity testify to their commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and serving the public interest.
Sources
These figures reflect the most recent data from various sources, including Alliance for Audited Media and media group reports.
- Alliance for Audited Media
- Detroit Free Press
- MLive Media Group
- Michigan Press Association
- Lansing State Journal
