The Decatur Daily is a respected daily newspaper headquartered in Decatur, Alabama, serving Morgan, Limestone, Lawrence, and surrounding counties in North Alabama. Known for its strong community journalism and consistent local coverage, The Decatur Daily has long held a central role in informing residents of the Tennessee Valley region.
History:
The Decatur Daily was established in 1912 by the Barrett family, who maintained ownership for over a century, making it one of the longest-running family-owned newspapers in the state. The publication earned a reputation for independent editorial thinking and a deep commitment to serving its readership with fair, locally focused journalism.
In 2018, the paper was acquired by Boone Newspapers, a media company known for its stewardship of local newspapers across the Southeastern U.S. Despite this transition, The Decatur Daily continues to honor its traditions of integrity, accuracy, and community engagement.
Key Details:
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Frequency: Published daily (print and digital editions)
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Founded Date: 1912
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Founder: Barrett family
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Owner: Boone Newspapers, Inc.
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Editor: Kelly Kazek (Managing Editor, as of recent reports)
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Headquarters: 201 1st Ave SE, Decatur, Alabama 35601
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Website: decaturdaily.com
Community Impact:
The Decatur Daily has long been recognized for its commitment to community issues, including education, economic development, public safety, and local government. It provides thorough reporting on city council meetings, school board decisions, infrastructure projects, and community events that directly affect the daily lives of its readers.
The paper has played a key role in documenting the region’s growth and challenges, and it continues to foster transparency and civic responsibility through its editorial voice and investigative reporting.
Current Offerings:
In addition to its traditional print edition, The Decatur Daily operates a modern digital platform that includes breaking news, sports, opinion pieces, obituaries, photo galleries, and live event coverage. The website and mobile app allow readers to stay connected in real time.
Its sports reporting, particularly on high school athletics and University of Alabama/Auburn football, draws a dedicated local audience. Business, faith, arts, and entertainment sections also reflect the paper’s broad editorial scope.
Social Media and Online Presence:
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Wikipedia Link: The Decatur Daily
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Facebook Page: The Decatur Daily
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Twitter Profile: @decaturdaily
Conclusion:
For more than 110 years, The Decatur Daily has remained a vital news source in North Alabama. Through changes in technology and media ownership, the paper continues to uphold its legacy of providing timely, trustworthy, and community-centered journalism to the Tennessee Valley.
