OT in print: We’re expanding our commitment to local journalism with quarterly newspaper

February 28, 2025 | 12:11 am

Updated February 28, 2025 | 12:14 am

When Owensboro Times launched in August 2018, our goal was simple: provide Owensboro and Daviess County with a reliable, fast, and hyper-local digital news source. In an era where news travels quicker than ever, we wanted to ensure our community had immediate access to the information that mattered most. Over the years, we’ve built a strong foundation of trust with our readers by prioritizing integrity and accuracy over being first and just getting clicks. Now, we’re taking the next step in that commitment by launching a quarterly print product — one that will deliver meaningful stories straight to every mailbox in Daviess County at no cost and with no subscription required.

Why print? Why now?

From the beginning, OT has been dedicated to the digital-first model. We recognize that times have changed, and most people consume their news online. However, as strong as our digital presence is, we also recognize the enduring value of print journalism. Some stories deserve to be held in your hands, revisited over coffee, or shared around the dinner table.

Plus, print provides an opportunity to reach members of our community who may not engage with digital platforms as frequently. This quarterly publication will allow us to highlight stories in a new way, offering a tangible connection to the news that shapes our hometown. Most importantly, we’re ensuring it reaches every single home in Daviess County — not tossed in a driveway or left vulnerable to the elements, but delivered directly to your mailbox where you’re sure to receive it.

What can you expect?

Our print edition will reflect the same commitment to hyper-local journalism that has made Owensboro Times the trusted news source in our community. Each issue will feature a mix of in-depth reporting, feature stories, sports coverage, and more. We’ll bring you stories that matter, stories that inspire, and stories that inform.

We’ll have everything from business spotlights and economic development updates to profiles of extraordinary individuals in our community. We’ll dive into cold cases that remain unsolved, highlight local sports teams and stand-out athletes, and shed light on the triumphs and challenges that define life in Owensboro and Daviess County. Some of this content will be exclusive to print, making each issue a must-read for those who want the most comprehensive look at our community.

A bigger goal: Becoming the newspaper of record

While our expansion into print is an exciting new chapter, it also serves a practical purpose. Currently, outdated language in Kentucky law dictates that only print newspapers qualify as the official “newspaper of record.” This designation is critical because it determines which publications can carry public notices, legal announcements, and other official records.

At Owensboro Times, we believe this law needs to change. The reality is that digital journalism is not the future — it’s the present. More people turn to online sources for their news than ever before, and requiring print publication for official notices is both inefficient and antiquated. A digital publication allows public notices to be available anytime, anywhere, making them far more accessible than a printed newspaper that may or may not be opened before it’s discarded.

We are advocating for legislation that modernizes these requirements to recognize digital platforms as “newspa-pers of record.” However, until the law changes, we’re making a proactive move to meet the current standard by introducing our print product as a first step.

Not just any newspaper

We’ve never been an organization that does things halfway, and this print edition will be no exception. From the quality of the printing to the format of the paper itself, every decision we’ve made has been with our readers in mind. Unlike traditional newspapers with oversized broadsheets, our print edition will be in a more consumable, compact-size format — easier to handle, easier to read, and filled with engaging content.

Unlike some print publications that rely heavily on syndicated, non-local content, every issue of Owensboro Times in print will be focused entirely on Owensboro-Daviess County. No canned stories, no generic articles from a wire service — just meaningful journalism that speaks directly to the community we serve.

A new chapter, the same commitment

This expansion into print doesn’t change our foundation. Our print edition is simply an extension of our mission — another way to inform, engage, and connect with the people who make this community what it is.

We are grateful for the support this community has shown us over the years, and we’re excited to embark on this new journey together. Whether you read us online, in print, or both, we promise to continue delivering the news that matters.

The future of local journalism is evolving, and Owensboro Times is evolving with it. Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to share this next chapter with you. 

February 28, 2025 | 12:11 am

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