Top California Newspapers and Publications Roundup [2024 Edition]

By Intelligent Relations Team

March 4, 2023

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California is home to some of the most influential markets in the country. 

From the booming tech industry in Silicon Valley to the entertainment capital of the world in Hollywood, the Golden State has something for everyone. 

There’s a reason why this state draws a whopping 260 million visitors each year. 

Plus, California is home to some of the best surf and ski spots in the country in addition to its notable metropolitan areas. 

With major markets like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, California is brimming with opportunities for PR exposure. 

So, look no further for a comprehensive list of California newspapers and PR opportunities in the Golden State! 

We’ve made sure to include top news outlets and lifestyle publications so that whatever industry your next PR campaign wants to hit, we’ve got you covered. 

17 California Newspapers and Publications – Our Curated List

Los Angeles Times (@latimes) The Los Angeles Times is the largest daily newspaper in California and is an award-winning, well respected news outlet. 

In addition to its print edition, The Los Angeles Times has a strong online presence and produces several podcasts. 

Topics covered by The Los Angeles Times include:

• Entertainment
• Food
• Climate
• Politics
• Health
• Crime
• Sports

Since being founded in 1881, the paper has won numerous Pulitzer Prizes and is known for its investigative journalism. It’s also a great source of news for the entertainment industry. 

This is a great cover-all outlet for PR exposure no matter your industry or business.

San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) San Francisco Chronicle is the largest newspaper in northern California and is known for its coverage of the tech industry. It’s also known for its in-depth reporting on local politics and culture.

The paper also has a strong sports section, covering both the San Francisco Giants and the Golden State Warriors. 

Topics covered by San Francisco Chronicle include:

• Weather
• Politics
• Climate
• Data
• Sports
• Food
• Events

This paper has been in circulation since it was founded in 1865. In addition to publishing a daily paper, this media outlet also produces multiple well-known podcasts covering news and San Francisco culture. 

The Mercury News (@mercnews) The Mercury News is a daily newspaper based in San Jose, and is known for its coverage of Silicon Valley and the tech industry. 

The paper also covers local news and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

Topics covered by The Mercury News include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Business
• Real Estate
• Entertainment
• Education
• Politics 
• Technology

This paper was formed from the merger of the San Jose Mercury and the Contra Costa Times in 2016. Today, it has a circulation of about 93,300 daily readers and the Sunday edition has a circulation of 150,600 readers.

San Diego Union-Tribune (@sdut) San Diego Union-Tribune is the largest newspaper in San Diego with a circulation of about 121,300. 

This California newspaper covers a wide range of topics and its website features a variety of multimedia content to support its reporting. 

Topics covered by San Diego Union-Tribune include:

• Sports
• Business
• Weather
• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• Education
• Politics

This news outlet was formed from the merger of two California newspapers – the San Diego Union and the Evening Tribune – in 1992. San Diego Union-Tribune also produces several podcasts. 

Orange County Register (@ocregister) Orange County Register is the largest newspaper in Orange County, and covers a wide range of topics related to local, national, and global news. 

Topics covered by Orange County Register include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Events
• Politics
• Education
• Crime
• Entertainment

Founded in 1905, the paper is known for its in-depth reporting and for its coverage of issues related to Orange County’s diverse communities. 

California Sun  (@mmcphate) California Sun is a daily email newsletter that is run by a well-known former journalist from The New York Times. 

The newsletter was launched in 2018, and covers news and culture from around California. 

Topics covered by California Sun include:

• Local News
• Education
• Politics
• Events
• Culture
• Technology
• The Environment

The newsletter is known for its engaging writing and for its commitment to highlighting interesting and underreported stories from around the state. 

Besides the newsletter, California Sun also produces a podcast.

Voice of San Diego (@voiceofsandiego) Founded in 2005, Voice of San Diego is a nonprofit, California news organization that covers local news and politics in San Diego. 

The organization is the first digital, non-profit news organization in the country that serves a local community. It’s regarded as a pioneer of nonprofit journalism.

Topics covered by Voice of San Diego include:

• Arts and Culture
• Economy
• Education
• Government
• Immigration
• Politics
• Public Safety

Voice of San Diego is known for its in-depth reporting and for its commitment to transparency and accountability in local government. 

East Bay Times (@EastBayTimes) Founded in 1874, East Bay Times is a daily newspaper based in Oakland, and covers news, sports, and culture from around the East Bay area. 

The paper has a daily circulation of about 55,700 and the Sunday edition’s circulation is about 100,200 readers.

Topics covered by East Bay Times include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Real Estate
• Politics
• Community Events
• Entertainment
• The Environment

East Bay Times covers a wide range of topics. In addition to producing a daily paper, this is one of the only California newspapers that also publishes multiple industry-specific newsletters daily for its subscribers.

The Sacramento Bee (@sacbee_news) The Sacramento Bee is the largest newspaper in Sacramento and covers a wide variety of topics relevant to the local community. 

Founded in 1857, The Sacramento Bee is one of the oldest daily California newspapers. 

Topics covered by The Sacramento Bee include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Politics
• Finance
• Food and Drink
• Real Estate
• Business
• Education

The Sacramento Bee is a trusted source of information for the Sacramento area and has a daily circulation of about 93,000. While a great source of news for any business, the outlet has a lot of information on the real estate industry in Sacramento. 

California Healthline (@CalHealthline) California Healthline is a daily news service that covers health policy and politics in California. This is a key outlet for anyone in the healthcare industry and is a daily source of information for healthcare professionals in California. 

Topics covered by California Healthline include:

• Healthcare
• Science
• Technology
• Community News
• Politics

California Healthline is independently published by Kaiser Health News for the California Health Care Foundation and is a core source of news for the healthcare industry.

LAist (@LAist) This is a digital news outlet that covers news, culture, entertainment, and more in Los Angeles. This publication produces a radio show, podcasts, and feature length articles on its website.

Topics covered by LAist include:

• Criminal Justice
• Politics
• Transportation
• Climate
• Health 
• Education
• Food
• Arts and Entertainment

The outlet is known for its engaging and accessible writing and for its coverage of issues affecting diverse communities in the region. It was originally founded in 2003 as a blog by a group of journalists and was later acquired by Southern California.

The Desert Sun (@MyDesert) A USA Today affiliate, The Desert Sun is a daily newspaper based in Palm Springs that covers news, sports, and culture from around the Coachella Valley. 

Topics covered by The Desert Sun include:

• Sports
• Business
• Local News
• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• Politics
• Education

The paper is known for its in-depth reporting and for its coverage of issues affecting the region, including water and energy policy. The original paper was founded in 1927 as The Palm Springs Desert Sun. 

San Francisco Magazine (@sanfranmag) San Francisco Magazine is a monthly magazine that covers culture, food, and lifestyle in the San Francisco Bay area. 

This is a go-to source for entertainment and culture news for the San Francisco area. 

Topics covered by San Francisco Magazine include:

• People
• Food and Drink
• Home and Real Estate
• Style and Beauty 

This magazine was founded in 1965 as the San Francisco Focus. It was renamed in 2005. 

It’s currently owned by Modern Luxury, which has magazines in major culture hubs around the U.S. and is a trusted source of culture and lifestyle trends around the country.

The Press Democrat (@NorthBayNews) Founded in 1857, The Press Democrat is a daily newspaper based in Santa Rosa that covers news, sports, and culture from around Sonoma County. 

Topics covered by The Press Democrat include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Business
• Real Estate
• Dining
• Arts and Entertainment
• Events

Of all California newspapers, this was the first to cover the Santa Rosa area. Today, its daily publication is available in print and digital formats. Plus, its website is updated 24/7.

San Diego Magazine (@SanDiegoMag) San Diego Magazine is a monthly magazine that covers culture, food, and lifestyle in San Diego County. This publication is distributed to more than 214,500 print readers each month.

Topics covered by San Diego Magazine include:

• Food and Drink
• Lifestyle
• Outdoors
• Travel 
• Events

Founded in 1948, the magazine is known for its engaging and insightful writing and for its coverage of culture and lifestyle news for the region. 

LA Magazine (@LAmag)Founded in 1961, LA Magazine is a monthly magazine that’s a major source of news for culture, food, lifestyle, and more in the Los Angeles area. 

This is a great publication for anyone in the entertainment and hospitality industries that are looking for exposure in the country’s entertainment capital. 

Topics covered by LA Magazine include:

• Local News
• Culture
• Travel
• Food 
• Events
• Entertainment

This magazine has wide-reaching influence in Los Angeles, with a circulation of over 740,000 monthly readers. It’s the number one LA magazine title sold in Barnes and Nobles and the number one monthly title in fine grocery stores.  

CalMatters (@CalMatters) CalMatters is a non-profit news organization that covers a variety of topics around California politics and government. 

CalMatters was founded in 2015 by veteran journalists and is supported by a variety of philanthropic organizations.

Topics covered by CalMatters include:

• Politics
• Justice
• The Economy
• Education
• Children and Youth
• The Environment
• Health 

This outlet keeps an up-to-date website and produces a newsletter called WhatMatters that highlights its major stories. 

Final Thoughts on Our California Newspapers List

Though California is known for its entertainment and media industries, its people are proud and diverse. That diversity gives California newspapers and publications their range of voice, audience, and industry coverage. 

Plus, our list covers a variety of places. Whether you’re looking for Silicon Valley, LA, San Diego, or Sacramento-based PR, we’ve listed publications from around the Golden State. 

So, whether you’re looking for PR outreach opportunities or trending California news, our list should have you covered.

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!