Publication analysis
About the publication
Title: The Press Democrat
ISSN: 0747-220X (Print)1
Website: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
Purpose, objective, or mission: “The North Bay’s leading daily news, sports, entertainment and information resource for more than 150 years. Includes a Pulitzer Prize-winning daily newspaper, affiliated websites, electronic replica editions, and special magazines and other products. A member of The Associated Press and the California Newspapers Publishers Association.” 2
Target audience: California’s Sonoma County and surrounding counties, including Lake and Mendocino counties. 3
Publisher: Sonoma Media Investments, LLC.4
Peer reviewed? No.5
Type: Civilian newspaper.
Medium: Print and online.6
Content: “Fresh local news & views, access to the latest in sports, entertainment, shopping and dining venues and other interactive tools such as local weather and real time traffic reports. The site covers Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties with continuously updated news, weather, sports, entertainment, events, blogs, photos, videos and more. It also includes real-time news from the Bay Area, the state, the nation and the world.” 7
Frequency of publication: Daily circulation in Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino Counties. 8
About the publication’s submission guidelines
Location of submission guidelines: To find information on how to submit for publication, please view the website’s FAQ page.
Types of contributions accepted: The Press Democrat accepts Opinion pieces under their “Close to Home” section. Opinion pieces should be no more than 600 words. 9
The Press Democrat also accepts Letters to the Editor. “Clear, brief letters on a single subject are most likely to be published. Those selected might be edited. Because of space constraints and the volume of reader mail, Letters to the Editor are limited to 200 words. 10
The Press Democrat also accepts some press releases. These should be directed to the reporter or editor covering your topic of interest.” 11
Submission and review process: All submissions must be sent via email and include full name and contact information. “Please avoid blanketing editors and reporters with the same press release. Responses cannot be made to press releases because of the large number that arrive daily in the newsroom. Press releases are used based on newsworthiness and not all can be published or used for an article.” 12
Editorial tone: Informative.
Style guide used: None stated.
Conclusion: Evaluation of publication’s potential for LIS authors
For authors in the Sonoma County and surrounding area, this may be an opportunity to connect with their community and promote their library. For example, an opinion piece concerning library use or funding. As of November 2020, performing a search of the website did not yield any articles on LIS, so this may be an untapped resource for LIS authors looking to publish their work. While The Press Democrat does publish on global news, an LIS author would most likely have a greater chance of being published if he/she/they focused on LIS programs, services, trends, and community involvement on a local level.
Audience analysis
About the publication’s readers
Publication circulation: “Today, with a readership of about a quarter million adults, The Press Democrat is the largest newspaper between San Francisco and the Oregon border.” 13
Audience location and language or cultural considerations: Readers likely reside in the Sonoma County and surrounding area. English language publication serving a community that includes a variety of cultures including Spanish speaking population.
Reader characteristics: 58% of readers are 18-49 years of age. 48% of readers are men, 52% are women. 72% have attended college. 69% earn 50,000+. 47% of weekday readers have Professional/Managerial careers and 56% are in Sales. 14 (*As of November 8, 2020, these statistics cannot be confirmed as the advertising section has been updated and does not include demographics)
Knowledge of LIS subject matter: Little, if any, knowledge of LIS subject matter.
Conclusion: Analysis of reader characteristics and their potential impact on authors
Due to readers’ common interest in news and events of their community, writers have the opportunity to promote libraries and educate readers on the opportunities available at their local library.
Last updated: November 8, 2020
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