City: Charlotte, NC

Category: Media

Telephone: (704) 358-5000

Address: 600 South Tryon St.

Description: Founded in 1886, the Charlotte Observer is the largest daily newspaper in the Carolinas and 46th largest in the country with a paid circulation of 167,546 daily and 226,030 on Sun. The Observer is a Pulitzer Prize–winning paper that was sold as part of the Knight-Ridder chain in 2006 to the McClatchy Company.Generally speaking, the Observer leans slightly left. It is criticized by the region’s large number of conservatives for what they consider to be an overly liberal bias, while proponents argue the paper is fair and provides accurate coverage and hard-hitting investigations of community issues. There’s no question the Observer has focused attention on worthwhile causes over the years, from substandard workplace conditions in the poultry industry to government corruption to safety issues in NASCAR.The strength of the Big O has forever been its ability to convey “what Charlotte is” to readers. There’s always been a sense of place in the newsroom. You see that today in the words of columnists like Tommy Tomlinson, Dannye Powell, and Tom Sorensen, and the features of talented writers like David Perlmutt, Karen Garloch, Ron Green Jr., Stella Hopkins, and Bruce Henderson. Jim Morrill is excellent on the political beat, as is Mark Washburn, who covers the media and writes humorously biting columns. Olivia Fortson ably covers Charlotte’s social circles, while veteran Joe Depriest brings a tear to the eye or a warmth to the heart when he captures the everyday tales of our fellow citizens in the western Piedmont. On Sun, John Bordsen produces a superb travel section focused heavily on the Carolinas and surrounding destinations. Photojournalism remains a strength as well.Visitors and locals alike find Friday’s CLT section handy with coverage of weekend movies, art, theater, concerts, restaurants, and family activities. Regional sections cover the Lake Norman area, Cabarrus County, Gaston County, Union County, and York County, S.C.Like all newspapers, the Observer is losing circulation and ad revenue. The Great Recession accelerated both. Several rounds of McClatchy-mandated layoffs have taken their toll on the newsroom, as well as the advertising, printing, and circulation departments. Some media insiders are concerned the newsroom is becoming top-heavy by jettisoning reporters and news-gatherers while retaining many editors and upper management. Others say the newspaper is faring as well as can be expected in trying times. A lot of time and resources are being invested in the paper’s Web site, www.charlotteobserver.com, as the Observer looks to the future in an uncertain media landscape.For now, newsstand price is 75 cents daily and $1.50 Sun. Annual subscriptions are $171.