North Carolina’s only statewide newspaper launches

At a time when most newspapers are cutting staff and crying “digital,” one Raleigh group of entrepreneurs say North Carolina is primed for a statewide, in-depth print newspaper. The North State Journal launched in February and captures the unique character of North Carolina.

“The North State Journal elevates the conversation and fills a void in the media landscape, particularly for readers in counties where the local paper has gone weekly,” said Neal Robbins, publisher. “It brings readers the news from Raleigh and Charlotte, but also from Murphy to Manteo.”

With characters around every corner in North Carolina, elections approaching and economic recovery on everyone’s mind, editors say a daily newspaper for the whole state can change the game. The newspaper is delivered to doorsteps and racks five days a week: Tuesday through Friday, plus Sunday. It covers state and national news, sports and features stories statewide.

“The North State Journal is in full color and on thick, broadsheet paper with the beautiful images and rich stories that make this such a remarkable place,” said Donna King, news editor. “Our network of writers and photographers cover the news from every corner of the state.”

The editors of the paper all grew up in North Carolina and say they want to bring the beauty of this place to life in the newspaper’s design, colors and stories.

“We are really taking readers beyond the box scores,” said sports editor Will Brinson. “We are focusing on all the teams that North Carolinians follow, not your nearest campus. The sports section gives readers a deeper dive on the big issues and big personalities on the court or the field.”

North State of Mind is the features section and the heart of the newspaper. Features editor Jennifer Wood says it will serve as “a cultural compass, to engage readers and encourage them to explore all that makes North Carolina a way of life.”
Readers can also look forward to a balanced view of pressing issues of the day in the North Statement.

“In our opinion section, we want to give our readers the whole story when it comes to the major topics of the day, and let them share their ideas to improve our state and nation,” said Drew Elliot, opinion editor.