25 Top Tennessee Newspapers and Publications List [2024 Edition]

By Intelligent Relations Team

February 24, 2023

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Home to Nashville, aka the Music City, Tennessee is a culture and music hub offering an abundance of PR opportunities to those in the entertainment industry. 

But this list of Tennessee newspapers and PR opportunities doesn’t stop there.

Home to major markets for businesses of all kinds, such as Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, Tennessee offers something for everyone. 

So look no further for a comprehensive list of the best Tennessee newspapers and publications for your PR coverage and news needs!

Whether you’re looking for a community-centered newspaper or a national entertainment magazine, we’ve got you covered. 

Our Curated List of Tennessee Newspapers and Publications 

The Tennessean (@Tennessean) Founded in 1908, The Tennessean is a daily newspaper based in Nashville, Tennessee. It covers local news, sports, entertainment, and other topics of interest to the Nashville community. 

It provides a variety of content, including news articles, opinion pieces, and feature stories, both in print and online forms.

Topics covered by The Tennessean include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Business
• Music
• Politics

The Tennessean has a long history of serving the Nashville area and has won numerous awards for its journalism. The newspaper aims to provide comprehensive coverage of local events and issues and is a trusted source of information for the Nashville community.

WBIR (@wbir) An NBC affiliate, WBIR is a television station based in Knoxville, Tennessee. It provides local, state, and national news coverage for the Knoxville area. The station’s coverage includes breaking news, investigative reporting, and feature stories on a wide range of topics. 

Topics covered by WBIR  include:

• Politics
• Business
• The Economy
• Entertainment
• Lifestyle 
• Health Care

WBIR also has a digital platform that offers additional news content, live streaming, and interactive features. The station aims to be a trusted source of information for its viewers and to provide comprehensive coverage of local events and issues.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press (@TimesFreePress) The Chattanooga Times Free Press is a daily newspaper that is distributed in the southeastern region of Tennessee and northwestern Georgia. 

Since its first publication in 1869, The Chattanooga Times Free Press has won multiple awards for its top-notch reporting including several Pulitzer Prizes. 

Topics covered by The Chattanooga Times Free Press  include:

• Sports
• Politics
• Business
• Local News 

In addition to a daily paper, this publication also has an up-to-date website with multiple forms of content, so you know you’ll be getting the most accurate and thorough information with this publication.

WKRN(@WKRN) A Nashville-based ABC affiliate, WKRN covers local news, weather updates, sports, and national events. This is the go-to news site for the Nashville area and its content is updated 24/7. 

Topics covered by WKRN  include:

• Local News
• Weather
• Traffic
• Sports
• Health
• Home
• Politics

This outlet is a great publication to contact if you’re looking for multiple forms of content. WKRN’s website features clips, interviews, and even live streams its newscast.

The Jackson Sun (@JSunNews) The Jackson Sun has been a primary source of local news for west Tennessee since its first publication in 1848. This daily newspaper is a USA Today affiliate and focuses on watchdog/investigative journalism. 

Topics covered by The Jackson Sun  include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Education
• Politics
• Lifestyle

In addition to its daily newspaper, The Jackson Sun also produces several other publications, including a weekly entertainment magazine, and special sections on topics such as health and education. The newspaper is committed to providing quality journalism to its readers and has won numerous awards for its reporting and photography over the years.

The Knoxville News Sentinel (@knoxnews) The Knoxville News Sentinel is a daily newspaper serving the Knoxville, Tennessee, region. It also has a strong online presence, with a website and social media accounts that keep readers up-to-date on breaking news and other important stories. 

As a trusted news source, The Knoxville News Sentinel is committed to providing accurate, timely, and engaging news coverage to its readers.

Topics covered by The Knoxville News Sentinel include:

• Sports
• Business
• Local News
• Politics
• Education 
• Lifestyle

Founded in 1886, this publication is one of the largest Tennessee newspapers in the area, with a daily circulation of around 57,000. The paper has won numerous awards over the years for its journalism, including a Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing in 1980. 

The Daily Memphian (@DailyMemphian) The Daily Memphian is a digital news outlet based in Memphis, Tennessee, that covers local news and issues in the Memphis area. This outlet is the go-to news source for the Memphis area and even breaks its content down by suburb and neighborhood.

Topics covered by The Daily Mephian include:

• Local News
• Business
• Sports
• Arts and Culture
• Food 
• Neighborhoods

The outlet has a subscription-based model and offers both daily and weekly newsletters, providing a unique PR opportunity to gain exposure to a captive, daily audience. It also produces several podcasts.

The Nashville Scene (@NashvilleScene) A weekly alternative magazine based in Nashville, Tennessee, that focuses its reporting on the rich culture and entertainment scene throughout the city. It’s a springboard to highlight up and coming musicians, artists, and influencers in the Nashville area.

Topics covered by The Nashville Scene include:

• Home and Lifestyle
• Arts and Culture
• Food and Drink 
• Music 
• Entertainment
• Events

This outlet is the go-to source on all the happenings and events going on in the city. The Nashville Scene releases a “Best of Nashville” list highlighting the best restaurants, bars, and spots around the city.

The Leaf-Chronicle (@LeafChronicle) Another USA Today affiliate, The Leaf-Chronicle is a daily newspaper based in Clarksville, Tennessee, and is the primary news source for the Clarksville area. It provides a variety of content, including news articles, feature stories, and opinion pieces.

Topics covered by The Leaf-Chronicle include:

• Politics
• Local News
• Sports
• Health and Lifestyle 
• Education

Founded in 1808, this publication is one of the oldest Tennessee newspapers in the state and has a daily circulation of about 22,000. 

The Johnson City Press (@JCPress) This outlet is a daily newspaper based in Johnson City, Tennessee. It covers local, state, and national news but with a focus on how topics affect the local community. 

The Johnson City Press has a long history of serving the Johnson City area since its first publication in 1934 and has won numerous awards for its community-centered journalism.

Topics covered by The Johnson City Press include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Living
• Events
• Education
• Entertainment

Its website offers a wide variety of content including a range of media, a digital copy of the daily edition of the paper, and even games.

The Nashville Business Journal (@nashvillebiz) The Nashville Business Journal provides coverage of a wide range of topics related to the Nashville business community and is the go-to source for business news for the area. 

In addition to its up-to-date website, The Nashville Business Journal also hosts events and conferences to facilitate networking and business development opportunities in the region. Plus, it publishes a list of the top businesses in the Nashville area.

Topics covered by The Nashville Business Journal  include:

• Real Estate
• Banking
• Technology
• Health Care
• Food and Lifestyle

The Nashville Business Journal aims to serve as a trusted source of information for local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals in helping them stay informed and connected to the Nashville business community.

Plus, the journal is available in print, online, and through various social media channels, making it an essential outlet for any business looking to gain PR exposure in Nashville.

The Nashville Post (@NashvillePost) This is a well-known online news source that focuses on business, politics, and developments in Tennessee. It provides daily news, analysis, and commentary on important topics affecting the state and the Nashville area.

Topics covered by The Nashville Post include:

• Business
• Politics
• Sports
• Events

In addition to its website, The Nashville Post also publishes a highly-regarded magazine each quarter that highlights business leaders and influential figures in Tennessee.

Memphis Flyer (@MemphisFlyer) This alternative weekly publication covers news, arts, and entertainment in Memphis and the surrounding areas. The magazine has been in operation since 1989 and has a strong focus on local culture and politics. 

Topics covered by Memphis Flyer  include:

• Local News
• Music
• Movies
• Arts and Culture
• Food and Drink
• Books 
• Sports

This publication is a great resource to gain exposure in the state-wide entertainment industry. Not only does the Memphis Flyer produce a weekly publication and updated website, it also produces a podcast. 

The Knoxville Focus (@KnoxFocus) This weekly newspaper serves Knoxville and the surrounding areas with a focus on local news and community events. 

Topics covered by The Knoxville Focus include:

• Local News
• Feel-good Community Stories
• Events
• Education
• Politics
• Business

This outlet covers topics ranging from politics to entertainment, but they focus on feel-good stories that highlight the community. This is a great publication to connect with the local Knoxville community.

Chattanooga Pulse (@ChattaPulse) The Chattanooga Pulse is an alternative news source that focuses on the entertainment industry and cultural events in the Chattanooga area. Its first publication was in 2003. It’s known as the “heartbeat of the city” for Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Topics covered by Chattanooga Pulse include:

• Local News
• Arts and Entertainment
• City Life 
• Food and Drink 
• Sports
• Events

In addition to churning out daily entertainment news stories, the Chattanooga Pulse also keeps a close watch on events in the area and has an entire section of its website with a detailed calendar marking all local events. 

The Jewish Observer (@JewishNashville) This outlet is the only Jewish newspaper covering middle Tennessee. The Jewish Observer covers a range of topics that pertain to the Jewish community in Tennessee and nationwide. 

Topics covered by The Jewish Observer include:

• Politics
• Events
• Business
• Jewish Community News

The publication is run by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville. There is a monthly publication as well as a website and podcast. 

The Mountain Press (@themtnpress) This daily newspaper dates back to 1879 and is a key news outlet for Sevier County and the surrounding areas. The Mountain Press releases a print and electronic version of the daily publication as well as an up-to-date website for breaking news stories.

Topics covered by The Mountain Press include:

• Faith 
• Lifestyle 
• Mountain Life
• Business
• Sports

This is a great outlet for exposure to a local community that is not easily accessible through other publications.  

The Memphis Business Journal (@MBJMemphis) Like The Nashville Business Journal, this outlet also hosts events and produces special publications. For example, they publish rankings and lists of top businesses in the Memphis area. 

The Memphis Business Journal aims to serve as a trusted source of information for local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, helping them stay informed and connected to the Memphis business community.

Topics covered by The Memphis Business Journal include:

• Real Estate
• Banking
• Technology
• Health Care
• Food and Lifestyle

This is a key source of information for the Memphis business community and offers a wide range of content to subscribers.

Commercial Appeal (@memphisnews) A USA Today affiliate, the Commercial Appeal is a daily newspaper based in Memphis, Tennessee. It was founded in 1841 and is the largest daily newspaper in the Memphis metropolitan area.

Topics covered by Commercial Appeal include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Politics
• Business
• Music
• Entertainment

This news outlet covers a wide variety of topics from local news to national, developing stories. 

The Citizen Tribune (@CitizenTribune) The Citizen Tribune is a daily newspaper based in Morristown, Tennessee. It serves the Lakeway area, providing an opportunity for PR exposure in multiple counties including Hamblen, Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, and Sevier.

Topics covered by The Citizen Tribune include:

• Sports
• Living and Home
• Entertainment
• Real Estate 
• Education
• Politics
• Local News

The Citizen Tribune has a strong online presence, with a website that features breaking news, podcasts, public notices, and more. This publication has a strong community presence and is a great outlet for a local business or influencer. 

Cleveland Daily Banner (@clevelandbanner) The Cleveland Daily Banner is a local newspaper serving the Cleveland, Tennessee, community. The paper covers every topic and industry, making it a great outlet for anyone looking for Cleveland exposure. 

Topics covered by Cleveland Daily Banner include:

• Local News
• People
• Religion
• Education
• Health 
• Home and Living
• Tech 
• Travel

With a circulation of over 7,500, the Cleveland Daily Banner is a trusted source of information for residents and visitors alike. 

Its staff of experienced journalists and editors are committed to delivering timely and accurate news to its readers. Its online presence is an important part of the community, providing a forum for discussion and dialogue on important issues affecting the area.

Crossville Chronicle (@crossvillenews) The Crossville Chronicle is a reputable news source that provides up-to-date and accurate information to the community. With a strong focus on local news and events, the newspaper covers a wide range of topics, from business and politics to sports and entertainment. 

Topics covered by Crossville Chronicle include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Health 
• Business
• Food and Beverage
• Arts and Entertainment
• Pets and Animals

Through in-depth reporting, the Crossville Chronicle aims to inform, educate and engage its readers, fostering a sense of community spirit and unity. 

The Lebanon Democrat (@wilsonconews) The Lebanon Democrat is a daily newspaper serving Lebanon, Wilson County, and the surrounding areas in Tennessee. Established in 1868, it’s one of the oldest Tennessee newspapers in the state. 

Topics covered by The Lebanon Democrat include:

• Entertainment
• Sports
• Local Events
• Politics
• Music
• Fashion 

The Lebanon Democrat was founded in 1888 and today has about 7,500 subscribers. The newspaper is published in print and digital formats three days a week.

Herald-Citizen (@heraldcitizen) Founded in 1904, The Herald-Citizen has a long history of serving the people of Cookeville and the surrounding area. Today, The Herald-Citizen is a multi-platform news organization that offers print, digital, and multimedia content to its readers. 

Topics covered by Herald-Citizen include:

• Sports
• Education
• Religion
• Local Community

The newspaper covers a wide range of topics and its website offers a variety of community-focused content, including features on local events, people, and organizations.

The Oak Ridger (@theoakridger) The Oak Ridger is a daily newspaper based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The paper has been in operation since 1943 and is a trusted news source for the city and surrounding areas.

Topics covered by The Oak Ridger include:

• Entertainment
• Sports
• Lifestyle
• Government and Politics
• Arts and Entertainment
• Local News

As another USA Today affiliate on this list, The Oak Ridger covers a wide-range of topics and its website is updated round-the-clock. 

Final Thoughts

Our comprehensive list of newspapers in Tennessee covers all areas of the state, from the busy entertainment hub of Nashville to the Great Smoky Mountain town of Clarksville. 

If your next PR campaign can benefit from exposure on the Tennessee market, pairing with one of these Tennessee newspapers or outlets will help you get the boost you need. 

For access to more publications tailored to your specific business activity, book a free consultation with us. You’ll get AI-assisted, expert insight into how to improve your PR efforts!