• by Ray Schultz , February 27, 2025

Most local newsrooms are cutting back their print schedules, or even eliminating them. Kentucky’s Owensboro Times is going in the opposite direction.

The hyper-local digital news source is launching a quarterly print product that will hit mailboxes in Daviess County for free. 

The decision is based, in part, on a local regulatory issue. 

In an unsigned opinion column, the paper states that “outdated language in Kentucky law dictates that only print newspapers qualify as the official ‘newspaper of record.’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.”

The column continues, “We are advocating for legislation that modernizes these requirements to recognize digital platforms as ‘newspapers 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.”

Founded in 2018 as a digital service, The Owensboro Times is hoping to produce a first-rate print product apart from the "newspaper of record" issue. 

“We recognize that times have changed, and most people consume their news online,” the paper says. “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.”

The new print newspaper will have “everything from business spotlights and economic development updates to profiles of extraordinary individuals in our community, The Owensboro Times vows. "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.”