Montana’s press history is deeply tied to its vast, rural landscape and the rugged spirit of its people. From the gold rush in the 1800s to the present day, newspapers have played an essential role in connecting Montana’s far-flung communities, offering local news, political updates, and stories of daily life. However, like many regions across the country, Montana has witnessed a significant contraction in its news industry, with the closure of numerous outlets and widespread layoffs.
The Rise of Montana Newspapers
Montana’s press history dates back to the mid-19th century, with the establishment of The Montana Post in 1864 in Virginia City. As Montana’s mining towns expanded, so did its need for information. Newspapers like the Butte Miner, Great Falls Tribune, and Billings Gazette emerged to serve the growing populations. By the early 20th century, most cities and towns had their own local newspapers, offering both national news and local perspectives on issues like agriculture, ranching, and political matters.
The Billings Gazette, founded in 1885, has grown into one of the most prominent newspapers in Montana, serving as a leading news source for the state’s largest city. The Great Falls Tribune, founded in 1885, became a staple for central Montana and was once recognized with a Pulitzer Prize for its local journalism. Other notable papers, such as the Missoulian and the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, provided robust coverage of their respective regions.
Impact of Digitalization and the Decline of Print
Like much of the nation, Montana’s newspapers began facing steep declines in print circulation with the rise of digital media. The internet has dramatically shifted how people consume news, with online platforms offering immediate and often free access to information. This shift, coupled with a decline in advertising revenue, has placed intense financial strain on traditional newspapers across the country, including those in Montana.
By 2020, print newspaper circulation in the U.S. had dropped by 52% compared to 2000, according to Pew Research. Montana newspapers, with their already limited circulation due to the state’s smaller population, were hit particularly hard. With fewer subscribers and advertisers, the economics of running local newspapers became increasingly unsustainable.
Closure of Local Outlets
Several Montana news outlets have been forced to shut their doors or dramatically scale back operations in recent years. Notably, The Independent Record, based in Helena, and the Missoula Independent, a beloved alternative weekly, have faced significant challenges. In 2018, Lee Enterprises, which owns many of Montana’s major newspapers, closed the Missoula Independent, ending a 27-year legacy of independent journalism in the city. The closure came as a shock to many readers who valued its investigative reporting and alternative voice.
The closure of The Missoula Independent was part of a broader trend of consolidation within the news industry. Lee Enterprises owns several Montana newspapers, including The Billings Gazette, Missoulian, and The Helena Independent Record. While this consolidation has allowed some newspapers to survive, it has also led to widespread layoffs and the loss of unique local perspectives. As of 2023, Lee Enterprises continues to operate these outlets, but with reduced staff and coverage.
Layoffs and Downsizing
Along with the closure of news outlets, layoffs have plagued the Montana news industry. Many newspapers, including The Billings Gazette and Great Falls Tribune, have faced multiple rounds of staff reductions. In 2018, The Great Falls Tribune laid off more than half of its newsroom staff, leading to a significant reduction in local coverage. These layoffs are part of a nationwide trend: between 2008 and 2019, newsroom employment in the U.S. dropped by 51%, according to Pew Research.
In Montana, this reduction in local journalism has had a significant impact on the ability to cover critical issues such as local government, public health, and environmental concerns. With fewer reporters, many of Montana’s newspapers have become increasingly reliant on wire services like the Associated Press to fill their pages, leaving gaps in local reporting.
Emergence of Digital and Independent Journalism
Despite the closures and layoffs, digital platforms have provided an opportunity for new models of journalism to emerge in Montana. Independent, online news outlets like Montana Free Press and Missoula Current have stepped in to fill the void left by shrinking newspapers. Founded in 2016, Montana Free Press focuses on in-depth investigative reporting, with a particular focus on state government and public policy. Similarly, Missoula Current offers local news and analysis, leveraging the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of digital platforms.
These digital outlets are helping to ensure that important stories are still being told, even as traditional newspapers struggle to survive. However, they often operate with smaller budgets and fewer resources, making it difficult to fully replace the robust local news coverage that once existed.
The Future of Montana’s News Landscape
The decline of traditional newspapers in Montana reflects broader trends across the U.S., where digital disruption and consolidation have reshaped the media landscape. While some legacy newspapers continue to operate, albeit with reduced staff and resources, independent digital outlets are beginning to gain traction as alternative news sources. However, the long-term sustainability of these platforms remains uncertain.
As Montana’s population continues to grow, particularly in urban areas like Bozeman and Missoula, there is hope that the demand for local journalism will remain strong. However, for rural communities that rely on local papers to cover their unique challenges, the future is less certain. The loss of these outlets not only affects public access to information but also weakens the civic fabric of small towns, where local newspapers once served as a key connector for residents.
The ongoing challenge for Montana’s press is finding a sustainable model that balances the immediacy and accessibility of digital media with the depth and reliability of traditional journalism.