Update: Tribune & Olympian Cut Back Print Editions

The daily newspapers for Olympia, and Tacoma, Washington, The Olympian and News Tribune, are starting to phase out their print editions. The Olympian tells readers, “Starting on Jan. 25, 2020, we will no longer produce a printed newspaper on Saturday and will launch a Weekend Edition that includes expanded newspapers on Fridays and Sundays. Many of the features that you enjoy on Saturday such as comics, puzzles, TV listings and local sports coverage will appear in expanded editions in print on Friday and Sunday. On Saturdays, we will continue to publish breaking local news to our website and social media platforms, and we invite you to visit our website or eEdition, which replicates the experience of a printed newspaper online.”

The Tribune calls quits to their Saturday edition beginning January 25th also.

HISTORY OF THE OLYMPIAN

Early in 1889 it became apparent that if the territorial capital of Olympia were to be named the capital city when Washington was granted statehood, an all-out campaign would have to be organized. The editor of The Washington Standard realized his weekly newspaper would not be sufficient to carry out the campaign city officials had organized. Thus The Evening Olympian came into being to lead the fight to preserve Olympia’s status as capital city.

The Washington Standard, a weekly paper started November 17, 1860 moved into a new building in 1865 at the corner of Second and Washington streets. On February 16, 1889 it became a daily paper called The Daily Olympian and occupied this building until 1906 when it merged with the Morning Olympian.

First home of the Morning Olympian still stand at Legion Way and Washington.

The Olympian and The Daily Recorder merged in 1928 when they moved into this new building at the corner of State and Capitol Way.

On July 1, 1971, Gannett Company, Inc. acquired The Daily Olympian as a part of Federated Publications. The name was shortened to The Olympian in February, 1982.

With completion of its new building, The Olympian began publishing as an offset newspaper on May 1, 1972.

In September of 2005, The Olympian was traded by Gannett Company, Inc., along with the Bellingham and Boise newspapers, to Knight Ridder in exchange for the Tallahassee Democrat. Nine months later, Knight Ridder was purchased by The McClatchy Company.

HISTORY OF THE TACOMA NEWS TRIBUNE

With a history dating to 1883, The News Tribune today is the second largest newspaper in the state of Washington. The signature distinction of The News Tribune is how thoroughly it dominates the local news market of Pierce County in both print and online. Seattle newspapers and television stations and digital media do not come close to The News Tribune’s status as the most authoritative source of local news.

The News Tribune excels in its coverage of local breaking news, major league and prep sports, and Washington’s statehouse. The paper is particularly noted for its strong sports coverage. Its photography staff is among the best in the region. And to tell the unique story of the South Puget Sound, The News Tribune also provides strong coverage of the military, Port of Tacoma, and outdoor recreation in the Northwest.

The News Tribune is owned by McClatchy, one of the nation’s leading media companies, headquartered in Sacramento, Calif.

*Historical info from the websites of the newspapers.