The Minnesota Star Tribune Expands Statewide Coverage

The Minnesota Star Tribune Expands Coverage Across the State

In an era where many metropolitan newspapers are scaling back their operations—closing regional bureaus and reducing statewide coverage to cut costs—the Star Tribune in Minneapolis is taking a bold and opposite approach. Announced recently by its chief executive, the publication will now be officially known as The Minnesota Star Tribune, reflecting its commitment to serving the entire state.

With a significant financial boost from its billionaire owner, the newspaper plans to broaden its coverage beyond the Twin Cities, reaching into various regions of Minnesota. This ambitious initiative includes the recruitment of reporters dedicated to reporting on local issues and events across the state.

Steve Grove, the publisher and chief executive, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating that it is part of a strategic effort to potentially triple the publication’s paid digital subscriptions over the next five years. “It’s definitely a bet that Minnesotans care about what’s happening outside of their own local communities,” he remarked in an interview.

The morning meeting at The Minnesota Star Tribune reflects the excitement and determination behind this initiative. However, this expansion is particularly noteworthy, as it represents a rare and significant investment in the newspaper industry at a time when local newspapers have been shrinking across the United States.

A recent report from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University highlighted the alarming trend, revealing that nearly 2,900 newspapers have shut down since 2005. In light of this, The Minnesota Star Tribune’s bold move to enhance its coverage and provide comprehensive journalism across the state is a refreshing contrast to the prevailing narrative within the industry.