Local media and news outlets in Kentucky: Prominent newspapers: Lexington Herald-Leader, Courier-Journal. Main TV Stations: WAVE, WHAS, WKYT, WLEX. Kentucky Public Radio Network: KET. Popular news apps: NewsBreak, Patch. Regional radio stations: KSR, WLAP. Diverse local blogs: Insider Louisville. Local magazines: Kentucky Monthly, Louisville Magazine. Strong digital presence and podcasts. Focus on state politics and local events. Engage through social media platforms.
Prominent newspapers: Lexington Herald-Leader, Courier-Journal.
The Lexington Herald-Leader, based in Lexington, Kentucky, is a prominent newspaper that covers Central Kentucky news, University of Kentucky sports, and local business, making it a key source for regional information. On the other hand, The Courier-Journal, published in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the most recognized regional newspapers in the U.S. Known for its thorough coverage, it maintains a progressive editorial outlook and holds significant influence in state and regional politics, having been owned by Gannett since the late 1980s.
Main TV Stations: WAVE, WHAS, WKYT, WLEX.
In the vibrant media landscape of Kentucky, several television stations stand out for their unique offerings and rich histories. WAVE in Louisville prides itself on being the first TV station in Kentucky, making significant strides as a pioneer in color broadcasting and local news production as an NBC affiliate under the ownership of Gray Television. In the same city, WHAS-TV, affiliated with ABC and owned by Tegna Inc., is renowned for its innovative approach to news coverage and notable local programming, including longstanding events like the WHAS Crusade for Children. Over in Lexington, WKYT-TV, a CBS and CW affiliate also owned by Gray Television, has established itself with a compelling local news presence and a variety of non-news productions, particularly its coverage of Kentucky Wildcats athletics. Additionally, WLEX-TV (LEX 18), another keystone in Lexington’s media scene, stands as an NBC affiliate recognized for its award-winning news coverage, community engagement, and extensive reporting on high-profile events such as the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Public Radio Network: KET.
The Kentucky Public Radio Network is a consortium of four public radio stations—WFPL, WKMS-FM, WKYU-FM, and WEKU—that covers all Kentucky counties and parts of contiguous states, reaching over 740,000 people monthly. It focuses on educated influencers, business decision makers, and community leaders. In contrast, KET is a statewide television network that provides public broadcasting services, including educational, cultural, and public affairs programming, while also supporting public safety and emergency communications infrastructure across Kentucky. Learn more about Kentucky Public Radio on the official website.
Popular news apps: NewsBreak, Patch.
NewsBreak is a popular local news app that provides curated daily briefings on local news, traffic, events, and weather, along with national and international news. It allows users to personalize their news feed, follow or block specific topics, and engage with the community through comments and opinions. Similarly, Patch is another notable platform that offers local news and events across Kentucky, providing updates on various topics such as local headlines, community events, and breaking news, helping to keep residents informed about what's happening in their area.
Regional radio stations: KSR, WLAP.
Kentucky Sports Radio and WLAP are key regional radio stations in Kentucky. Kentucky Sports Radio, hosted by Matt Jones and his crew, focuses on University of Kentucky sports news and discussions, airing Monday through Friday from 10 AM to noon on WLAP (630 AM), which is the flagship station of the UK Sports Network. WLAP itself is a news/talk radio station serving Central Kentucky, broadcasting a mix of national syndicated shows and local sports programs.
Diverse local blogs: Insider Louisville.
Insider Louisville is a local news and information website that covers local breaking news, business news, and features, providing in-depth coverage of various aspects of life in Louisville, Kentucky. For those seeking comprehensive updates on the city's happenings, the Insider Louisville platform serves as a significant resource for staying informed and engaged with the community and its vibrant pulse.
Local magazines: Kentucky Monthly, Louisville Magazine.
Kentucky Monthly, established in 1998, publishes 10 issues annually, covering various topics such as travel, history, home, human interest, and more, celebrating the people, places, events, and culture of Kentucky to unite and create a sense of pride and community among Kentuckians. In contrast, Louisville Magazine, founded in March 1950, is a monthly publication that highlights the city's culture and lifestyles, covering local business, community topics, and promotional content for the city of Louisville, Kentucky.
Strong digital presence and podcasts.
Local newspapers in Kentucky, such as the Georgetown News-Graphic, are adapting to the digital age by maintaining a strong online presence, with websites seeing significant unique visitors and social media followers, ensuring they continue to serve their communities effectively. In addition, the news landscape of Kentucky is enriched by various podcasts, including WEKU's News Podcast, which provides daily updates on top stories and highlights the state's robust podcast environment focused on local news and current events. Furthermore, Kentucky boasts a diverse array of podcasts such as those from the Courier-Journal, KSR, and Locked On Kentucky, offering in-depth analysis on topics like sports, politics, and local issues, thus catering to a wide range of interests and showcasing a strong digital media presence. For more insights on how Kentucky papers are bucking national trends, visit Lex18.
Focus on state politics and local events.
The Lexington Herald-Leader serves as a significant source for Central Kentucky news, delivering insights on state politics and local events while also offering comprehensive coverage of University of Kentucky sports. Meanwhile, FOX 56 News (WDKY) in Lexington covers a broad spectrum of news, sports, weather, and traffic updates for central Kentucky, including areas like Frankfort and Georgetown. Their focus on state politics and local events highlights their commitment to providing relevant and timely information to their audience.
Engage through social media platforms.
Local cities in Kentucky actively engage with constituents through social media, with the majority utilizing platforms like Facebook to connect and communicate. Strategies include using hashtags, broadcasting meetings via Facebook Live, and partnering with local organizations to promote events and initiatives. Meanwhile, major Kentucky news outlets such as the Lexington Herald-Leader, WDRB, and WLKY also capitalize on their social media presence to keep the public informed and engaged with frequent posts and significant follower counts. These outlets share news, weather updates, and local stories, effectively leveraging platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to maintain an active engagement with their audience.