Tennessee Newspapers: TN Online News Platforms
Across Tennessee, you'll find a diverse range of media outlets, including newspapers and online platforms, providing coverage of local and statewide news. Leading dailies like The Tennessean (Nashville) and The Commercial Appeal (Memphis) provide comprehensive coverage of politics, business, and culture.
Regional papers such as the Knoxville News Sentinel and Chattanooga Times Free Press focus on community-specific news, while digital outlets like Memphis Flyer and Nashville Scene deliver alternative perspectives and event updates . For real-time updates, platforms like WBIR (Knoxville) and WTV (Nashville) offer broadcast news online.
Table of Contents:
Nashville & Middle Tennessee
The Tennessean
Tennessee’s largest daily newspaper covering Nashville news, politics, and Titans football. Known for investigative reporting and statewide influence.
Nashville Scene
Alternative weekly featuring music, dining, and progressive politics. Famous for its "Best of Nashville" awards and cultural commentary.
Nashville Post
Business and political news source for Middle Tennessee. Covers real estate, healthcare, and Nashville’s rapid growth.
WKRN News 2
ABC affiliate providing breaking news and weather for Nashville. Trusted for severe storm coverage and community reporting.
Main Street Nashville
Hyperlocal paper serving Donelson, Hermitage, and East Nashville. Focuses on neighborhood news and events.
The Tennessee Tribune
Nashville’s Black-owned weekly covering African American communities and social justice. A vital voice for diversity.
Memphis & West Tennessee
The Commercial Appeal
Memphis’ daily newspaper with deep coverage of crime, Grizzlies basketball, and Mississippi River issues. Part of the USA Today Network.
Memphis Flyer
Alternative weekly known for music, BBQ culture, and investigative journalism. A must-read for Memphis’ arts scene.
Daily Memphian
Digital-first outlet with in-depth reporting on Memphis politics and education. No paywall for local readers.
Tri-State Defender
Historic Black newspaper serving Memphis and the Mid-South. Focuses on civil rights and HBCU news.
Memphis Business Journal
Covers Memphis’ economy, FedEx, and Mississippi River logistics. Key resource for business leaders.
Knoxville & East Tennessee
Knoxville News Sentinel
East Tennessee’s leading paper with Vols sports and Smoky Mountains coverage. Investigates Oak Ridge National Lab stories.
Metro Pulse (Defunct, archives at Knoxville History Project)
Former alt-weekly celebrated for its cultural reporting. Still referenced for Knoxville’s music and arts legacy.
The Daily Times
Blount County’s paper covering Maryville and Great Smoky Mountains tourism. Strong local sports reporting.
Johnson City Press
Serves the Tri-Cities region with ETSU athletics and Appalachian culture coverage.
Chattanooga & Southeast Tennessee
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Merged conservative/liberal papers offering comprehensive Chattanooga news. Known for Tennessee River development reporting.
The Pulse
Alternative monthly covering Chattanooga’s startups, outdoors, and arts. Free distribution in 400+ locations.
NoogaToday
Digital news source for Chattanooga millennials. Covers urban growth and local events.
Statewide & Niche Publications
Tennessee Lookout
Nonprofit investigative outlet holding state government accountable. Focuses on policy impacts.
The Tennessee Star
Conservative news site covering Tennessee politics and culture wars. Popular with right-leaning readers.
Southern Living (TN Edition)
National magazine with extensive Tennessee travel and food content. Features Nashville hot chicken and Smoky Mountain getaways.
Business Tennessee (Defunct but archived issues remain a resource for 1990s-2000s economic history)
Defunct but archived issues remain a resource for 1990s-2000s economic history.
The Tennessee Magazine
Electric co-op publication highlighting rural life and local heroes. Distributed to 600k+ households.
The East Nashvillian
Hyperlocal print/digital magazine for East Nashville’s creative community.
Memphis Parent
Family-focused resource for Mid-South parents. Lists kid-friendly activities and schools.
Knoxville Parent
Similar family resource for East Tennessee. Covers parenting tips and local education news.
The Murfreesboro Pulse
Rutherford County’s arts and culture monthly. Covers MTSU and Nashville’s booming suburbs.
