Founded in 1903, the Daily Journal is the sole locally produced daily newspaper based in Kankakee, Illinois, serving Kankakee County and neighboring communities YouTube+11Wikipedia+11University Library+11. Formerly publishing under the name Kankakee Daily Journal from September 18, 1945 until August 28, 1973, it succeeded the earlier Kankakee Republican‑News and was itself later rebranded simply as The Daily Journal University Library+1 The Library of Congress+1.
Scope and Reach
Headquartered at 8 Dearborn Square in downtown Kankakee, the Daily Journal is published in English and covers Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Manteno, and parts of Will, Ford, Grundy, Livingston, and Iroquois counties Wikipedia+2 Wikipedia+2 Apple+2. Historically a daily except Sunday, its print schedule has evolved: as of January 2023, print editions appear Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, with e‑editions published Tuesday and Thursday Wikipedia.
Historical Evolution
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Early origins: Roots in the Kankakee Republican‑News dating back to 1931.
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Kankakee Daily Journal era (1945–1973): Established a strong local identity under that formal name, including a Sunday edition known as the Kankakee Sunday Journal, published daily except Saturdays (September 1950 onward) Wikipedia+15University Library+15The Library of Congress+15 The Library of Congress.
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Transition in 1973: Name simplified to The Daily Journal, with occasional Sunday publication as Sunday Journal The Library of Congress.
The paper remained under local ownership by the Small family until its acquisition by Shaw Media in October 2024, ushering a new chapter while aiming to sustain the outlet’s community mission Wikipedia.
Editorial Focus and Content
The Daily Journal has long committed to hyperlocal journalism municipal news, Kankakee County government and school board decisions, police and crime reports, public safety updates, and community events Kankakee shawlocal.com. It provides coverage of high school and community sports, business developments, obituaries, and human-interest stories that deeply resonate with readers.
During crises such as extreme weather events or the COVID‑19 pandemic the paper has played a vital role in delivering timely, accurate public health announcements and guidance. For example, the first Kankakee COVID‑19 case was reported by the Daily Journal, followed by regular hospital updates on testing and safety protocols Kankakee.
Opinion features and readers’ letters foster civic engagement and dialogue, while editorial commentary encourages informed public discourse on local issues.
Digital Adaptation
In response to shifting media habits, the Daily Journal expanded its digital presence:
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Its website (daily‑journal.com) delivers frequent updates, photo galleries, newsletters, obituaries, and special local event coverage Kankakee.
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A mobile app is available for iPhone and iPad, offering both print style and e‑edition formats; feedback suggests occasional technical issues reported by users in early 2025 Apple.
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Social media channels including Facebook and Twitter enable real-time distribution of breaking stories, weather alerts, and community happenings Kankakee.
Despite industry headwinds, this blend of print and digital delivery helps the paper remain relevant and accessible.
Role Within the Community
The Daily Journal is more than a news outlet it’s woven into the fabric of local life:
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It spotlights student achievements, charitable initiatives, local businesses, and regional sports victories, fostering community pride and cohesion Kankakee.
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The paper serves as a watchdog, holding local officials accountable and promoting transparency in county governance.
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Its obituary pages and life stories section provide a reflecting space for neighborly remembrance, enhancing community connection through storytelling Kankakeeobituaries.daily-journal.com.
Challenges & Resilience
Like many regional newspapers, the Daily Journal has faced:
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Declining print and advertising revenues
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Competition from digital outlets and fragmented media consumption
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Operational changes driven by consolidation under larger media groups
Yet its deep roots and commitment to hyperlocal content stories that national or regional publications overlook remain its greatest asset Kankakee. Under Shaw Media’s stewardship, the paper aims to maintain sustainability while preserving journalistic integrity and community trust.
Looking Ahead
Key strategic focuses for the Daily Journal include:
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Further enhancing its digital strategy: app reliability, newsletter subscriptions, social media engagement
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Exploring new revenue streams events, membership models, sponsored local content
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Reinforcing investigative and civic reporting to continue serving as Kankakee County’s primary trusted voice in journalism
Despite broader industry challenges, The Daily Journal remains deeply embedded in civic life, chronicling local history, shaping public awareness, and supporting democratic involvement.
Summary at a Glance
| Topic | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Established | 1903, evolving from earlier local papers; renamed Kankakee Daily Journal in 1945 |
| Coverage Area | Kankakee County plus parts of nearby counties |
| Publishing Schedule | Print: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday; e‑editions: Tuesday, Thursday |
| Ownership | Family‑owned until October 2024; now owned by Shaw Media |
| Editorial Focus | Hyperlocal governmental, school, crime, sports, business, obituaries, community stories |
| Digital Presence | Website, e‑edition, mobile app, social media |
| Community Role | Civic watchdog, storytelling hub, promoter of local pride |
| Challenges | Advertising decline, digital disruption, competition |
| Outlook | Continued community service, digital investment, new revenue models |
Conclusion
From its early days as a small town newspaper to its current iteration under Shaw Media, the Kankakee Daily Journal now The Daily Journal has remained steadfast in its mission: to inform, engage, and serve the people of Kankakee County. Its strength lies in community connection, steadfast local reporting, and adaptability. At a time when local news often struggles to survive, this century‑old institution continues to thrive by focusing on what matters most its readers and the stories of their lives.
