The Roanoke Chronicle
An in-depth exploration of The Roanoke Times, a pivotal voice in Southwestern Virginia's media landscape.
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Paper Overview
Primary Publication
The Roanoke Times serves as the principal newspaper for Southwestern Virginia, with its operational base located in Roanoke, Virginia, United States. It is currently published under the ownership of Lee Enterprises.
Geographic Reach
Beyond its main headquarters in Roanoke, the newspaper maintains a dedicated bureau in Christiansburg, Virginia. This presence allows for comprehensive coverage of the eastern New River Valley region and the activities surrounding Virginia Tech.
Readership Impact
According to the 2011 Scarborough "Ranker Report," The Roanoke Times achieved a significant national standing, ranking fifth in the country for the percentage of adults who read the newspaper on weekdays within its designated coverage area.
Ownership & Affiliations
Current Ownership
Presently, The Roanoke Times is owned by Lee Enterprises, a diversified media conglomerate. This ownership structure places it alongside other regional publications.
Historical Affiliations
The newspaper has undergone several ownership transitions. Notably, it was part of Landmark Communications before being acquired by Berkshire Hathaway's BH Media Group in 2013. This acquisition positioned it as a sister publication to other BH Media Group newspapers in Virginia.
Digital Presence
The newspaper's online platform, roanoke.com, serves as its primary digital outlet, extending its reach and providing news and information to a broader audience.
Journalistic Evolution
Foundational Years
The origins of The Roanoke Times trace back to 1886 with the establishment of the Roanoke Daily Times. Its early proprietor, M. H. Claytor, later introduced a companion evening publication, The Roanoke Evening News.
Consolidation and Expansion
In 1909, the paper was acquired by a consortium led by banker J. B. Fishburn. This group subsequently purchased the Roanoke Evening World in 1913, merging it with the Evening News to form the Roanoke World-News. Concurrently, the Times-World Corporation was established to oversee both publications.
Diversification into Broadcasting
By 1931, Times-World Corporation ventured into the broadcasting sector with the acquisition of WDBJ, Roanoke's inaugural radio station. This expansion eventually included an FM station and a television station, marking a significant diversification beyond print media.
Integration and Modernization
A pivotal moment occurred in 1977 when Landmark Communications merged the two papers into a single all-day publication, titled The Roanoke Times & World-News. The "World-News" designation was eventually dropped from the masthead in 1995, streamlining the paper's identity.
Impactful Reporting
Investigative Journalism
The Roanoke Times has a history of impactful investigative reporting that has garnered national attention. An investigation into International Marketing & Engineering Inc. in 1979, which exposed deceptive sales practices, was later featured on CBS's 60 Minutes. This work earned the newspaper the Virginia Press Association's W. S. Copeland Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service.
Covering Major Events
The newspaper has provided extensive coverage of significant regional and national events, including:
- The devastating flood following Hurricane Juan in November 1985.
- The racially motivated shooting at the Backstreet Cafe in September 2000.
- The tragic Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007, which claimed 32 lives.
- The on-air murders of WDBJ-TV journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward in August 2015.
Accountability in Governance
The paper has also played a role in holding local officials accountable. In February 2008, The Roanoke Times obtained documents revealing that a Roanoke City councilman had billed taxpayers twice for expenses, leading to his resignation.
Key Contributors
Notable Writers & Editors
The newspaper has been home to many talented journalists throughout its history. Among them are:
- Bill Brill: A long-serving writer and columnist (1956โ1991), also serving as sports editor.
- Beth Macy: A respected reporter from 1989 to 2014, known for her compelling narratives.
Columnists and Features
The Roanoke Times has featured numerous popular columns and features that have resonated with its readership:
- Arts & Extras: An arts and culture column by Mike Allen (2009โ2021).
- Cut 'N' Scratch: A music feature by Tad Dickens (2007โpresent).
- McFarling Journal: A sports column by Aaron McFarling (2004โpresent).
- Paparazzi: A photo feature showcasing local events.
- Shoptimist: A shopping feature by Rebecca Holland and Stephanie Ogilvie.
- Style Street: A fashion feature by David Verde.
- Weather Journal: A weather column by Kevin Myatt (2003โpresent).
Recognition & Accolades
Prestigious Awards
The commitment to quality journalism has been recognized through various accolades. In 2007, The Roanoke Times received the Missouri Lifestyle Journalism Award for General Excellence (Class III), highlighting its consistent high standards in reporting and feature writing.
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References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a specific snapshot of publicly available data, primarily from Wikipedia, and may not encompass the most current or exhaustive information.
This is not professional advice. The information presented herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding journalism, media analysis, or historical research. Always consult official sources and qualified experts for specific needs. Reliance on the information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
The creators of this content are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.