Top Wisconsin Newspapers and Publications Roundup [2024 Edition]

By Intelligent Relations Team

March 4, 2023

Author's Page

Wisconsin is home to the Green Bay Packers, the Harley-Davidson Museum, and two Great Lakes coastlines. There’s plenty of attractions for both visitors and residents alike.

Plus, Wisconsin is the nation’s leading dairy producer. Best known for its cheese products, the state is a crucial market for anyone looking for dairy industry PR. 

Not in the dairy business? Don’t worry! 

Our list of Wisconsin newspapers and PR outlets has something for everyone. 

From local to national news coverage, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ve made sure our list features both traditional print and digital media, and a wide variety of topics and industries.

So, look no further for a comprehensive list of PR contacts from the Badger state!

Our Curated List of Wisconsin Newspapers and Publications

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel) As one of the largest Wisconsin newspapers, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel covers local, national, and international news, with a strong focus on investigative reporting. 

As a USA Today affiliate, this newspaper has won multiple awards including a Pulitzer Prize.

Topics covered by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel include:

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

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a daily circulation of about 50,000 and its Sunday edition has a circulation of 75,000. It also keeps its website and social media updated 24/7.

Wisconsin State Journal (@WiStateJournal) Founded in 1839, the Wisconsin State Journal is a daily newspaper based in Madison, Wisconsin, and is one of the oldest newspapers in the U.S. It covers local, state, and national news.

Topics covered by Wisconsin State Journal include:

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

The Wisconsin State Journal is published daily with a circulation of about 51,000 and its Sunday edition has a circulation around 65,000. In addition to its print and digital publications, the Wisconsin State Journal has a dedicated base of subscribers with access to additional content like newsletters and live updates.

Urban Milwaukee (@UrbanMilwaukee) Urban Milwaukee is an online publication that covers news, politics, and culture in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

The outlet produces several original series, including “Backstage with Mark Metcalf,” which covers the theater scene. Plus, the outlet features exclusive coverage of the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Topics covered by Urban Milwaukee include:

• Real Estate
• Politics
• Food and Drink 
• Arts and Entertainment
• Events

Urban Milwaukee was started in 2008 and is a great outlet for anyone in the hospitality and entertainment industry looking for exposure on the Wisconsin market. 

Lake Geneva Regional News (@LG_Regionalnews) Lake Geneva Regional News is a weekly newspaper based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This outlet covers news and events happening in the Lake Geneva-area local government, schools, and businesses. 

Topics covered by Lake Geneva Regional News include:

• Sports
• Politics
• Weather
• Entertainment 
• Education
• Business
• Crime

This outlet was founded in 1879 and is a great go-to news source for the Lake Geneva area. Its website is updated 24/7 and the Lake Geneva Regional News social media accounts are updated regularly. 

Wisconsin Rapids City Times (@RapidsTimes) Founded in 1920, Wisconsin Rapids City Times is a daily online newspaper based in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 

This award-winning newspaper covers a wide range of topics, but has a community focus on the Rapids City area. 

Topics covered by Wisconsin Rapids City Times  include:

• Politics
• Sports
• Arts and Entertainment
• Sports
• Community Events
• Education

In addition to producing a daily newspaper and updating its website, Wisconsin Rapids City Times produces a buyer’s guide that features advertisements and local businesses.

Wisconsin Lawyer (@StateBarofWI) The Wisconsin Lawyer is the official publication of the State Bar of Wisconsin. They cover legal news, practice tips, and updates on the Wisconsin legal community.

Topics covered by Wisconsin Lawyer include:

• Legal Research
• Courts
• Crime
• Government
• Politics
• Legislation
• Events

The magazine is published 11 times a year and distributed to more than 25,000 members of the State Bar.  This is an one of the most essential Wisconsin publications for anyone looking for PR exposure in the state’s legal community. 

Want a list of dedicated law publications for 2024? We’ve got you covered! Check out our article: 20 Best Law Blogs and Publications for 2024

The Daily Cardinal  (@dailycardinal)  The Daily Cardinal is a student-run newspaper that covers news, sports, and arts and culture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

The paper is run entirely by students, who write, edit, and design the content. It’s one of the oldest and most-esteemed student-run newspapers in the country.

Topics covered by The Daily Cardinal include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Arts
• Science
• Life and Style
• Environment
• Community Events

Founded in 1892, the paper has won numerous awards for its journalism, including multiple National Pacemaker Awards from the Associated Collegiate Press. 

The paper is distributed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the surrounding community and has a circulation of 10,000.

Isthmus (@isthmus) Isthmus is a weekly, alternative newspaper based in Madison, Wisconsin. This is a non-profit, Wisconsin news organization and its website keeps up-to-date with the latest news and events. 

Topics covered by Isthmus include:

• Local News
• Food and Drink
• Arts and Entertainment
• Events
• Politics

This paper was founded in 1976 and is one of the first alternative Wisconsin newspapers offered for free. 

Milwaukee Business Journal (@MKEBizJournal) Milwaukee Business Journal provides business news and information about the Milwaukee area. This outlet provides readers with breaking news, feature stories, and analysis related to the Milwaukee business landscape. 

Topics covered by Milwaukee Business Journal include:

• Real Estate
• Banking
• Technology 
• Healthcare
• Business

In addition to producing a print and digital publication, Milwaukee Business Journal also hosts various events throughout the year, such as networking events and award ceremonies that aim to bring together business leaders in the area. 

The Capital Times (@CapTimes)  The Capital Times is a daily digital and print newspaper based in Madison, Wisconsin, and has been in circulation since 1917. 

The Capital Times has a long-standing reputation as a progressive news outlet, with a focus on social justice issues and political reform. 

Topics covered by The Capital Times include:

• Local News
• Food and Drink
• Entertainment
• Events
• Politics
• Education

The newspaper has won numerous awards for its investigative reporting, feature writing, and editorial content. 

In addition to its daily news coverage, The Capital Times also publishes a variety of regular features and columns, including opinion pieces, editorials, and letters to the editor. 

The newspaper’s website also features blogs, podcasts, and other multimedia content, as well as a searchable archive of past articles.

Green Bay Press-Gazette (@gbpressgazette) Green Bay Press-Gazette is a daily newspaper serving the Green Bay area of Wisconsin. The newspaper has been in circulation since 1915 and covers local and regional news. 

Green Bay Press-Gazette is known for its coverage of the Green Bay Packers, one of the most successful and beloved professional football teams in the United States. 

Topics covered by Green Bay Press-Gazette include:

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

This is a USA Today affiliate newspaper. The newspaper also engages with its readers through social media, including Twitter, where it shares news updates, articles, and other content.   

Kenosha News (@Kenosha_News) Kenosha News is a daily newspaper serving the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. The newspaper has been in circulation since 1894. 

Kenosha News has a strong focus on community news, featuring stories about local residents and events, as well as columns and editorials from community members.

Topics covered by Kenosha News include:

• Local News
• Sports
• Entertainment
• Lifestyle 
• Education
• Community Events
• Local Government

Kenosha News has a daily circulation of about 18,000 and its Sunday edition has a circulation of 22,000. It’s distributed throughout southeastern Wisconsin and northeastern Illinois, providing PR exposure across state lines. 

La Crosse Tribune (@LaCrosseTribune)  La Crosse Tribune is a daily newspaper serving the La Crosse, Wisconsin, area and has been in circulation since 1904.

Topics covered by La Crosse Tribune include:

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

La Crosse Tribune covers a wide range of news stories relevant to the local community but also covers national headlines. Its website features a variety of multimedia content to support its reporting including photos and video. 

The Journal Times (@Journaltimes) The Journal Times is a daily newspaper serving the Racine, Wisconsin, area. The newspaper has been in circulation since 1852 and covers local and regional news.

Topics covered by The Journal Times include:

• Business
• Crime
• Politics
• Entertainment 
• Sports
• Lifestyle 
• Weather

The Journal Times’ website and social media accounts are updated regularly. This Wisconsin newspaper is a trusted source of information for the local community of Racine. 

The Sheboygan Press (@SheboyganPress) Another USA Today affiliate, The Sheboygan Press is a daily newspaper serving the city of Sheboygan and the surrounding area in Wisconsin. 

Topics covered by The Sheboygan Press include:

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

This publication has been in circulation since 1907. In addition to publishing a daily paper, The Sheboygan Press also produces a free shopper paper, Shoreline Chronicle, and a weekly “best of” edition of the paper featuring articles about senior citizens. 

GazetteXtra (@gazettextra) GazetteXtra is the digital platform for The Janesville Gazette, a daily newspaper that has been in circulation since 1845 and serves the Janesville, Wisconsin, area. 

Topics covered by GazetteXtra include:

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

This outlet has a strong community focus and is a great source of information regarding local news and events. Its website also features contests, games, and a job board. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a media mention in Sheboygan or a podcast in Madison, our list of Wisconsin newspapers and news outlets covers all areas of the state. 

These publications also offer coverage on a comprehensive range of topics including entertainment, sports, politics, culture, and business.

So, feel free to use our list to give your next PR campaign the exposure it needs in the Badger state. 

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!