List of Tennessee Newspapers | Most Popular Newspaper in Tennessee

List of All Newspapers in Tennessee

Below is a comprehensive list of all newspapers in Tennessee, compiled from reliable sources like Wikipedia, the Tennessee Press Association, and directories as of 2026. This includes daily, non-daily, student, and some defunct papers for historical context. Where available, I've included the city, founded year, notes, and direct URLs. Note that some smaller papers may not have websites, and URLs can change; always verify.

Daily Newspapers

  • Oak Ridger - Oak Ridge - Daily; USA Today Network.

Weekly and Monthly Newspapers

  • Camden Chronicle - Camden - Weekly.
  • El Crucero Newspaper - Nashville - Weekly (Spanish-language).
  • Grainger Today - Grainger County - Weekly.
  • Jasper Journal - Jasper - Weekly.
  • Knoxville Focus - Knoxville - Weekly.
  • La Prensa Latina - Memphis - Weekly (Spanish-language).
  • Lawrence County Advocate - Lawrenceburg (1986) - Bi-weekly.
  • McNairy County News - Selmer - Weekly.
  • Memphis Daily News - Memphis - Weekly.
  • Memphis Tri-State Defender - Memphis (1951) - Weekly (African American-focused).
  • Murfreesboro Post - Murfreesboro - Weekly.
  • Nashville Ledger - Nashville - Weekly.
  • Nashville Pride - Nashville - Weekly (LGBTQ+ focused).
  • Polk County News - Benton - Weekly.
  • Savannah Courier - Savannah - Weekly.
  • Sewanee Mountain Messenger - Sewanee - Weekly.
  • South Pittsburg Hustler - South Pittsburg - Weekly.
  • Tennessee Tribune - Nashville (1992) - Weekly (African American-focused).
  • Weakley County Press - Martin - Weekly.
  • Williamson Herald - Franklin - Weekly.

Student and Specialty Newspapers

  • Lee Clarion - Cleveland - Lee University.

Defunct Newspapers (Historical Reference)

  • Brownlow's Whig - Knoxville (1849-1871) - Pro-Union.
  • Chattanooga Daily Rebel - Chattanooga.
  • Knoxville Gazette - Knoxville (1792-1818) - First in state.
  • Knoxville Journal - Knoxville (ceased 1991).
  • Memphis Press-Scimitar - Memphis (ceased 1983).
  • Nashville Banner - Nashville (1876-1998).

This list covers over 100 outlets, emphasizing Tennessee's robust media ecosystem. For the most current updates, visit the Tennessee Press Association directory.

Welcome to this in-depth exploration of Tennessee newspapers. If you're searching for a complete list of all newspapers in Tennessee, insights into Tennessee newspaper history, predictions on the Tennessee newspaper future, or details on newspaper names and URLs, you've come to the right place. Tennessee's media landscape is rich and diverse, reflecting the state's vibrant communities from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River.

Tennessee newspapers have played a pivotal role in informing the public, fostering community dialogue, and preserving history. With the digital age transforming how we consume news, understanding this sector is more important than ever. Let's start with the roots.

Tennessee Newspaper History

The history of newspapers in Tennessee is a fascinating tale that mirrors the state's growth from a rugged frontier territory to a bustling hub of culture, music, and industry. Publishing in Tennessee dates back to the late 18th century, when the region was still part of the Southwest Territory. The story begins in 1791 with George Roulstone and Robert Ferguson, who established the Knoxville Gazette in Rogersville. This marked the first newspaper in what would become Tennessee. Roulstone, recognized as the territory's inaugural printer, disassembled his press in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and transported it westward to serve the growing population.

In 1792, the Knoxville Gazette relocated to Knoxville, where it became a key voice for Governor William Blount's administration. Roulstone's influence extended beyond journalism; he advocated for press freedom, contributing to Tennessee's 1796 constitution, which guaranteed a free press. That same year, he published the state's first book, a 320-page volume titled Laws of the State of Tennessee. After Roulstone's death in 1804, his widow, Elizabeth Roulstone, took the helm, becoming Tennessee's first female newspaper editor and publisher. She later moved to Carthage and founded the Carthage Gazette in 1808, expanding the reach of early Tennessee media.

As Tennessee expanded, newspapers proliferated across its three grand divisions: East, Middle, and West. In Middle Tennessee, the Rights of Man, Or, The Nashville Intelligencer debuted in 1799, followed by the Tennessee Gazette in Nashville in 1800. West Tennessee saw its first paper, the Pioneer, in Jackson in 1822, with the Jackson Whig following in 1848. Memphis entered the scene with the Memphis Advocate in 1827. East Tennessee was a hotbed for progressive and abolitionist voices. In 1819, the Manumission Intelligencer emerged in Jonesborough as one of the nation's earliest anti-slavery papers, evolving into the Emancipator in 1820 under Elihu Embree. Benjamin Lundy published the Genius of Universal Emancipation there from 1821 to 1824.

A landmark in cultural history was the 1828 launch of the Cherokee Phoenix in New Echota (though printed in Tennessee), the first Native American newspaper. Bilingual in English and Cherokee script invented by Sequoyah, it was edited by Elias Boudinot with support from missionary Samuel A. Worcester. However, Georgia authorities suppressed it in 1832 amid the Trail of Tears era.

The Civil War era brought drama and resilience to Tennessee newspapers. The Memphis Appeal (later Commercial Appeal) famously evaded Union capture by relocating its presses across the South, earning the nickname "Moving Appeal." In East Tennessee, the Knoxville Whig, edited by fiery Unionist William "Parson" Brownlow, gained national fame for its anti-secession stance. Confederate troops even published their own papers, like the Vidette by John Hunt Morgan's cavalry in 1862.

Post-Civil War Reconstruction saw the rise of African American journalism. The Colored Tennessean in Nashville (1865) was Tennessee's first Black-owned newspaper, followed by the Memphis Weekly Planet in 1872. Ida B. Wells-Barnett made history with the Memphis Free Speech in 1889, using it to expose lynchings and racial injustices. A 1892 mob destroyed her press after she reported on the lynching of three Black businessmen, forcing her to flee and continue her anti-lynching crusade from afar.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries solidified major dailies. The Chattanooga Times (1878) was acquired by Adolph S. Ochs, who used its profits to revive The New York Times. The Nashville Tennessean (1907) featured editors like Edward Ward Carmack (assassinated in 1908 over a political feud) and later Albert Gore Sr. The Memphis Commercial Appeal evolved from the 1841 Weekly Appeal, while the Nashville Banner (1876-1998) was tied to the Stahlman family. The Knoxville News-Sentinel formed in 1921, and the Memphis Press-Scimitar operated until 1983.

Religious publishing also thrived, with Nashville becoming a center. The United Methodist Publishing House traces to 1854, Southwestern Publishing House to 1855, and the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board to 1891. Modern giants like Thomas Nelson Publishers (acquired by HarperCollins) and printing facilities like Quebecor World underscore Tennessee's ongoing role in book and periodical production.

Unionization and training advanced with George L. Berry's International Printing Pressmen and Assistants' Union establishing Pressmen's Home near Rogersville in the early 1900s—a utopian community for printers that operated until 1967.

By the mid-20th century, corporate consolidation began. Chains like Gannett (now part of USA Today Network) acquired many independents, shifting focus from family-owned operations to profit-driven models. Tennessee newspapers documented pivotal events: the Scopes Trial (1925), the Civil Rights Movement (including the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike leading to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination), and modern stories like the opioid crisis and COVID-19.

This history illustrates how Tennessee newspapers have been more than information sources—they've been agents of change, community builders, and historical record-keepers. As we look ahead, challenges and innovations await.

Tennessee Newspaper Future

As we enter 2026, the future of newspapers in Tennessee is at a crossroads, influenced by national trends in local journalism. The digital shift has accelerated, with print circulation declining while online platforms rise. According to Northwestern University's State of Local News report (2025), newspaper employment continues to slide, but digital-only sites are growing. In Tennessee, this manifests in a mix of closures, mergers, and innovative adaptations.

Recent years have seen fragility in local media. In 2023, six upper-Cumberland newspapers abruptly closed but reopened under new ownership, highlighting economic pressures. The US News Deserts project notes an "unrelenting loss" of newspapers since 2004, with Tennessee losing several weeklies. By 2026, experts predict further consolidation, especially in rural areas like West Tennessee, where "news deserts" emerge—communities without local coverage.

The digital transformation is key. Traditional papers like The Tennessean and Commercial Appeal have invested heavily in online portals, podcasts, and social media. A 2025 Congress report on newspapers in the digital age emphasizes how platforms like Google and Facebook siphon ad revenue, reducing print profits. In response, Tennessee outlets are pivoting: hybrid models combine print with apps, newsletters, and video content. For instance, the Chattanooga Times Free Press has expanded its digital subscriber base, focusing on investigative journalism amid economic slowdowns projected at 1.7-2.0% growth for the state (Boyd Center, 2025).

Community-focused journalism is a bright spot. With national news oversaturated, locals like the Knoxville News Sentinel emphasize hyper-local stories—school board meetings, high school sports, and environmental issues like the Smoky Mountains' conservation. Trends include "placemaking," where media fosters community identity (Nieman Lab, 2025). In Nashville, music and tech hubs drive specialized coverage, with papers partnering with platforms for broader reach.

Challenges persist: Misinformation spreads via social media, prompting Tennessee coalitions to promote transparency during Sunshine Week (2025 marked its 20th anniversary). Public notice laws are debated; in 2025, Montgomery County considered shifting notices from papers to government sites, potentially hurting revenue.

Looking to 2030, AI and user-generated content could reshape operations. Digital disconnection trends (70% plan more reading in 2026, per surveys) might boost print revivals, but economic factors like inflation and ad shifts favor agile, nonprofit models. Initiatives like the Tennessee Lookout (investigative nonprofit) exemplify resilience.

The COVID-19 fallout accelerated declines—30+ U.S. papers closed in 2020 alone—but Tennessee's diverse economy (tourism, manufacturing) supports recovery. Corporate owners like Gannett may sell assets, opening doors for local buyers. Ultimately, the future hinges on innovation: embracing multimedia, community engagement, and ethical AI to sustain democracy's watchdog role.

Optimistically, 2026 could see growth in digital natives, with traditional papers adapting. As one expert notes, "The future of news is happening where no one is looking"—in grassroots efforts (Nieman Lab, 2025). Tennessee's newspapers, with their storied past, are poised to evolve.

Tennessee Top 10 Newspapers

Based on circulation data from sources like Agility PR and Fullintel (updated to 2026 trends), here are the top 10 Tennessee newspapers. Rankings consider daily print/digital circulation, audience reach, and influence.

  • The Tennessean - Nashville (85,000+) - Statewide focus on politics, music.

These top papers dominate due to strong digital presence and legacy brands.

The Enduring Spirit of Tennessee Newspapers in 2026

As we reflect on the comprehensive list of all newspapers in Tennessee — spanning historic dailies like The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, est. 1840), The Tennessean (Nashville, est. 1907), and Knoxville News Sentinel to the more than 125 active publications tracked by the Tennessee Press Association (TPA) — one truth stands clear: Tennessee's newspapers remain a vital thread in the fabric of the state's communities, democracy, and cultural identity.

From the rugged frontier presses of the 1790s that first informed settlers in Knoxville and Nashville, through the bold abolitionist voices of the 19th century, the wartime resilience of the "Moving Appeal," and the civil rights crusades of the 20th century, Tennessee newspapers have consistently served as watchdogs, storytellers, and community glue. Today, in January 2026, this legacy endures amid profound change.

The current landscape features a robust mix: approximately 20–25 daily newspapers covering major cities and regions, complemented by dozens of weekly and community papers that focus on hyper-local news — from school boards and high school sports in rural counties to business developments in growing suburbs. Major players under the USA Today Network (Gannett) dominate statewide reach, while independent and chain-owned outlets like the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Kingsport Times-News, and Main Street Media publications continue to thrive by emphasizing local relevance.

Despite national trends of closures and mergers — with more than 3,300 U.S. newspapers lost since 2005 and ongoing challenges from declining print ad revenue — Tennessee has shown resilience. Recent years have seen swift replacements in "news deserts," such as new startups in McNairy and Marion counties filling gaps left by closures. The TPA, now representing 133 newspapers and online publications, actively supports members through training, advocacy for open government, and initiatives like digital ambassador programs with universities.

Looking ahead, the future of Tennessee newspapers lies in thoughtful adaptation. Digital subscriptions, podcasts, newsletters, and multimedia storytelling are helping outlets like The Tennessean and Chattanooga Times Free Press grow online audiences. Community-focused journalism — covering everything from environmental issues in the Smokies to Nashville's booming music and tech scenes — remains irreplaceable. While economic pressures persist, innovations in nonprofit models, partnerships, and AI-assisted reporting offer pathways forward. High readership loyalty (with studies showing strong trust in local papers for public notices and accurate information) provides a foundation for sustainability.

In the end, Tennessee's newspapers are more than ink and pixels — they are essential guardians of local knowledge in an era of information overload. Whether you're in Memphis tracing the Mississippi's rhythms, in Knoxville amid the Appalachian hills, or in a small town reading about your neighbors' achievements, these publications keep the Volunteer State's stories alive.
Next Post Previous Post