16 Top Kentucky Newspapers and Publications [2024 Roundup]

By Intelligent Relations Team

March 7, 2023

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Home to the Kentucky Derby, bluegrass music, and some of the best college basketball in the country, Kentucky offers a wide range of attractions for residents and visitors alike. 

The Bluegrass State is home to roughly 4.5 million residents and boasts an active tourism market that draws in an impressive 70.5 million visitors each year.

But that’s only the beginning of what the Kentucky market has to offer. 

The area is also known for its food and bourbon, in addition to its historic impact on the coal and manufacturing industries. 

So, whether you’re looking for coverage in big cities like Louisville or small, deep-rooted college towns, our list of Kentucky newspapers has a taste of it all. 

Look no further for a comprehensive list of publications for your Kentucky PR and news needs! 

Kentucky Newspapers and Publications – Our Curated List for 2024

The Courier-Journal – (@courierjournal) This is the largest newspaper in Kentucky and covers a wide range of news topics from local stories to national headlines. 

The Courier-Journal’s website features up-to-date news articles and its print edition has a circulation of roughly 131,000 readers.

Topics covered by The Courier-Journal include:

• Local News
• Sports
• The Kentucky Derby
• Lifestyle
• Politics
• Weather
• Education
• Entertainment

The Courier-Journal is an award-winning news outlet that has won several Pulitzer Prizes, earning itself recognition as one of the most trusted Kentucky newspapers.

Looking for PR opportunities across the border in Indiana? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of Indiana newspapers: 16 Top Indiana Newspapers and Publications [2024]

The Lexington Herald-Leader (@heraldleader) This award-winning newspaper is based in Lexington, Kentucky. It’s the main source of news for the Lexington Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Fayette, Bourbon, Clark, Jessamine, Scott, and Woodford counties. 

It’s owned by the McClatchy Company, and has been publishing since 1903.

Topics covered by The Lexington Herald-Leader include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Food and Drink
• Finance
• Lifestyle and Entertainment
• Politics
• Education

The Lexington Herald-Leader has an impressive readership with a circulation of about 160,000 readers with 190,000 for the Sunday edition. Its website receives a whopping 14 million page views per month. 

Have a Kentucky business but see the value of PR in Cincinnati? Check out our dedicated list of local newspapers: 12 Top Cincinnati Newspapers and Publications [2024 Edition]

Kentucky Today (@KyTodayEditor) Kentucky Today is an online news outlet covering all of Kentucky’s news, politics, and events. Founded in 2017, Kentucky Today is one of the newest Kentucky newspapers on the market. 

The digital paper is owned by the Kentucky Baptist Convention and delivers news with a focus on Christian perspectives and values.

Topics covered by Kentucky Today include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Business
• Entertainment
• Education
• Politics
• Crime
• Community Events
• Baptist Community News

This online publication is free and keeps its stories updated 24/7 via its social media channels. Subscribers of Kentucky Today get daily morning briefing emails highlighting major stories and updates. 

Interested in PR opportunities in neighboring Ohio? Check out our dedicated list: 25 Top Ohio Newspapers and Publications Roundup [2024 Edition]

The Kentucky Kernel (@KyKernel) The Kentucky Kernel is a student-run newspaper out of the University of Kentucky. It covers a wide variety of topics related to campus life, but also covers local, regional, and national news stories. 

This student paper has been in circulation since 1908, and has won numerous awards for its reporting.

Topics covered by The Kentucky Kernel include:

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

Each issue of The Kentucky Kernel is available in print and online formats. About 6,000 copies are distributed around the university’s campus, as well as throughout downtown Lexington.

Excited about opportunities with university newspapers? Want a full list of US university publications? Check it out: 30 Top US College Newspapers and University Publications List [2024 Edition]

The Paducah Sun – (@PaducahSunNews) Founded in 1896, The Paducah Sun newspaper is based in Paducah, Kentucky, and covers local news and events in the western part of the state. 

Topics covered by The Paducah Sun include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Lifestyle
• Business
• Faith
• Entertainment
• Real Estate
• Community Events

This news outlet has a strong focus on community-related news and is the most-read newspaper in the Jackson Purchase region. It has roughly 28,000 dedicated subscribers that have access to the print and digital versions of this daily newspaper. 

The Murray State News (@MurrayStateNews) The Murray State News is the student newspaper at Murray State University. This outlet was founded in 1926, is independently run, and has won numerous awards for its reporting.

Topics covered by The Murray State News include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Lifestyle
• Education 
• The Environment
• Crime
• Community Events

The Murray State News is available online and is distributed in print around the campus and local community. 

The campus has an undergraduate enrollment of around 7,700 students and the town of Murray has a population of roughly 17,000, making this a great outlet to gain exposure in a local community.

The Lane Report  (@TheLaneReport) The Lane Report is the only statewide business magazine in the state of Kentucky. It’s a monthly magazine that reports on all news related to business in the state, including industry updates, real estate, and business profiles. 

Topics covered by The Lane Report include:

• Business
• Finance
• Real Estate
• Politics
• Healthcare
• Technology 
• Education
• Banking

The Lane Report also produces multiple industry-specific newsletters, podcasts, and reports. The publication is considered the go-to source for business related information for the state. 

It’s also a great place for business leaders and residents to learn about events and networking opportunities. The Lane Report has been published since 1985 and is owned by The Lane Report, Inc.

Want a full list of dedicated business publications? We’ve got you covered! Check it out: 40 Top Business Publications for PR in 2024

Kentucky New Era (@KentuckyNewEra) Founded in 1869, this newspaper is based in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. It covers news, sports, and events in the western part of the state. 

Kentucky New Era is printed daily Tuesday through Saturday, and its website is updated 24/7 with updates and breaking news. 

Topics covered by Kentucky New Era include:

• Local News
• Community Events
• Business
• Politics
• Sports
• Education
• Health 
• Entertainment

Kentucky New Era is a trusted source of information for the Hopkinsville community and has a strong local presence in the stories that it covers.

The Winchester Sun (@winchestersun) This newspaper is based in Winchester, Kentucky. It covers local news, sports, and events in the eastern part of the state. 

The paper was founded in 1872, and is a semi-weekly publication. Its website is updated daily.

Topics covered by The Winchester Sun include:

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

The print edition has a daily circulation of just under 3,000. This is a great outlet for anyone looking for exposure in the smaller communities around Lexington as this publication is based about 20 miles away from downtown Lexington. 

LEO Weekly (@leoweekly) This alternative newsweekly covers news, arts, and culture in the Louisville area. It has been in publication since 1990, and is a go-to source of entertainment and lifestyle news for visitors and residents alike.

Topics covered by LEO Weekly include:

• Local News
• Arts and Culture
• Food and Drink
• Music
• Sports 
• Events
• Entertainment

LEO Weekly is regarded as the Louisville area’s most urbane and challenging newsweekly that covers topics often avoided by mainstream media. It has a circulation of roughly 25,000.

The Owensboro Times (@OwensboroTimes) This online news outlet covers news and events in Owensboro and the surrounding areas. It was founded in 2018. It’s known for its comprehensive coverage of local politics and community issues.

Topics covered by The Owensboro Times include:

• Sports
• Lifestyle
• Entertainment
• Politics
• Education
• Business
• Agriculture

This is a daily news organization that keeps its social media channels and website up-to-date with breaking news and updates to previous stories. Its website features supportive multimedia content such as videos, photos, and audio content. 

The Daily Independent (@ashlandkydaily) This newspaper is based in Ashland, Kentucky and covers news, sports, and events in the northeastern part of the state. It was founded in 1905 and has a daily circulation of about 11,000 readers.

Topics covered by The Daily Independent include:

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

This newspaper is printed five days a week and is also available in a digital version. Its website is updated 24/7. 

The Mountain Advocate (@mtnadvocateky) The Mountain Advocate is a newspaper based in Barbourville, Kentucky, and covers news, sports, and events in southeastern Kentucky. 

Topics covered by The Mountain Advocate include:

• Community Events
• Sports
• Local Politics
• Crime
• Real Estate 
• Business
• Religion

This publication was started in 1904, and is a key source of information for Barbourville and the surrounding areas. The Mountain Advocate has a strong community focus in its reporting and updates its website and social media regularly. 

The Gleaner (@TheGleanerNews) Founded in 1885, this newspaper is based in Henderson, Kentucky, and covers news in the western part of the state. 

This is a distinguished community newspaper that focuses on local news relevant to the Henderson area, but also reports on a variety of state, national, and world news topics. 

Topics covered by The Gleaner include:

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

The Gleaner is a USA Today affiliate newspaper with a daily circulation of roughly 8,600 readers and Sunday edition circulation of 9,600 readers. 

Louisville Magazine (@LouisvilleMag) Louisville Magazine is a monthly publication that covers the people, places, and events that make Louisville unique. 

Topics covered by Louisville Magazine include: 

• Food
• Politics
• Arts and Culture
• Sports
• Law
• Medicine

Their “Top Lawyers” and “Top Docs” issues are popular features that highlight the best legal and medical professionals in the city. 

Louisville Magazine was founded in 1950 and is the oldest city magazine in the country.

Business First (@BFLouisville) Business First is a digital and print publication that covers business news in Louisville and the surrounding areas. 

Topics covered by Business First include: 

• Business
• Local Companies
• Louisville Entrepreneurs
• Industry Trends

The publication’s annual “Fast 50” list recognizes the fastest-growing companies in the region. Business First also hosts events and seminars for local business leaders. 

Founded in 1984, Business First is part of the American City Business Journals network.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky has deep historical and cultural roots, which is why our Kentucky newspapers list  includes a range of publications targeting local communities. 

We’ve also made sure our list covers publications from all major metropolitan areas of the state, including Louisville newspapers.

So, if your next PR campaign can benefit from exposure on the Kentucky market, pairing with one of these Kentucky newspapers or media 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!