7 Shocking Ways The Coeur D'Alene Press Is Defying The Newspaper Death Spiral In 2025
The media landscape in North Idaho is seeing a dynamic shift, yet the region’s long-standing newspaper, the Coeur d’Alene Press (often referred to as the CDA Press), is not just surviving—it’s actively expanding its influence and operations in 2025. While local newspapers across the United States face collapse, the Press, the largest newspaper in Kootenai County, remains a flagship for the Hagadone Media Group, demonstrating a surprisingly robust model of hyper-local journalism paired with aggressive business strategy. The paper’s current operations, personnel, and recent business moves reveal a unique story of local media resilience.
Serving the communities of Coeur d’Alene and greater Kootenai County since 1892, the newspaper has successfully navigated the digital transition by maintaining a dedicated print presence while investing in its online platform. Today, the CDA Press is a vital source for local politics, community events, and in-depth reporting on complex issues like the recent security guard trial and city administration changes, cementing its role as the definitive voice for North Idaho news.
The Coeur d'Alene Press: A Fresh Look at Ownership, Leadership, and Operations
The Coeur d’Alene Press is the cornerstone publication of the Hagadone Media Group, a company headquartered right in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This local ownership structure, established by the Hagadone Corporation, is often credited with the paper's stability and deep community focus, a stark contrast to many papers owned by distant national conglomerates.
Key Personnel and Recent Executive Shifts
Recent leadership changes at the Hagadone Media Group have brought fresh perspectives to the top of the organization, directly impacting the CDA Press's direction. The key figure is Clint Schroeder, who was recently promoted from Publisher to the President of Hagadone Media Group, while also retaining an Executive Publisher role for the *Press*.
- Clint Schroeder: Notably, Schroeder is recognized as the first openly LGBTQ+ President of the Hagadone Media Group, a significant detail in the context of Idaho's often conservative political climate. His leadership is focused on combining the tradition of print journalism with innovative digital growth.
- Bill Buley: Serving as the Interim Editor, Buley leads the newsroom, which has recently been lauded for its swift and compassionate coverage of local tragedies, highlighting the importance of a mobilized local news team.
The 6-Day Print Schedule and Digital Strategy
In a move that balances tradition with modern economics, the Coeur d’Alene Press maintains a robust print schedule. The newspaper is available in print six days per week, taking a break only on Mondays. However, its commitment to being a daily news source is fulfilled through its digital platform, which is updated seven days a week.
The digital subscription model provides full access to all content, including a replica e-edition of the printed product, for approximately $12 per month. This e-edition is highly valued by readers who prefer the familiar newspaper format with the convenience of online access.
The Hagadone Business Model: How the CDA Press Thrives
The success of the Coeur d’Alene Press is inextricably linked to the unique and aggressive business strategies of the Hagadone Media Group. While many newspaper groups are cutting staff and shrinking their physical footprint, Hagadone is expanding its production capacity in North Idaho.
North Idaho Production Powerhouse
One of the most significant recent developments is the expansion of the North Idaho Production Center. Hagadone Media Group recently secured a major contract to take over the printing of *The Spokesman-Review*, a large regional newspaper based in Spokane, Washington. This move involved investing in new equipment to nearly double the production capacity of the Coeur d'Alene facility and creating new jobs, solidifying the CDA Press’s parent company as a major regional printing hub.
Topical Authority and Community Focus
The paper’s editorial focus is hyper-local, providing deep coverage on issues that directly affect Kootenai County residents, including:
- Local Governance: Detailed reporting on Coeur d'Alene City Council meetings, school district budget negotiations (CDA Public Schools), and city administrator buyouts.
- Controversial Issues: In-depth coverage of high-profile local trials, such as the security guard conviction in a turbulent legislative town hall case.
- Community Events & Features: Running the annual "Best of North Idaho" awards and managing the "Press Christmas for All" charity drive, which strengthens its community ties and local relevance.
Despite its position as the dominant local news source, the Coeur d’Alene Press is not without its critics, particularly regarding its coverage of politically charged events like the "Pride in the Park" controversy or its reporting on the Kootenai County Assessor’s office, indicating its active role in the region's intense political discourse.
The Evolving North Idaho Media Landscape and Competitors
While the Coeur d’Alene Press is the traditional giant, the rise of digital and alternative media outlets in Kootenai County is reshaping how North Idaho residents get their news. The media ecosystem is becoming more diverse, reflecting the region's complex political and social identity.
Digital-First Competitors
The most notable emerging competitor is The Kootenai Journal. This digital-only outlet has positioned itself as an alternative voice, offering "real-time news reporting for the Idaho Panhandle area" with a stated "Christian Worldview" and a claim to "Unbiased Reporting." This type of focused, digital-first media directly challenges the CDA Press’s traditional dominance, especially among specific ideological groups in the area.
Other independent media projects, such as The CDA Giant, also contribute to the local ecosystem, aiming to provide "Media Without an Agenda" through various formats like podcasts and video content, catering to a growing demand for alternative news sources.
The Extended Hagadone Network
The Coeur d’Alene Press also operates in concert with other publications under the Hagadone News Network umbrella. The Post Falls Press, for instance, is often published as the *Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls Press*, demonstrating the company’s strategy to cover the entire Kootenai County area comprehensively. Furthermore, the regional influence of *The Spokesman-Review*, though printed by Hagadone, still serves as a major competitor for regional news and advertising revenue.
The Future of Local Journalism
The Coeur d’Alene Press is a rare example of a local newspaper successfully adapting to the 21st century. By leveraging its local ownership, empowering new leadership like President Clint Schroeder, and investing in its printing infrastructure, the paper has secured a strong position in a challenging industry. Its six-day print run and affordable digital e-edition ensure that both traditional and modern readers in Kootenai County have access to the hyper-local news that defines their community. The paper’s future will likely be defined by its ability to maintain its broad appeal while navigating the competitive pressure from emerging digital and independent media voices like The Kootenai Journal.
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