The Marietta Times serves as the primary daily newspaper and digital news source for Marietta, Ohio, and the surrounding Mid-Ohio Valley region. Established to deliver hyper-local journalism, it covers municipal government, local high school sports, community events, and regional economic developments across Washington County and parts of West Virginia.
Historical Legacy and Evolution of Local Journalism in Washington County
Founded in September 1864 during the height of the American Civil War, The Marietta Times holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously operating daily newspapers in southeastern Ohio. Over more than a century and a half of publication, the outlet has transitioned from a traditional broadsheet print daily into a modern multimedia platform combining daily print editions with a 24/7 digital news website.
The publication operates out of its historical footprint in downtown Marietta, anchoring itself directly within the community it serves. Its longevity is deeply tied to the industrial and cultural history of Marietta, Ohio—the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory established in 1788. By chronicling everything from the nineteenth-century riverboat and timber booms to modern energy sector developments and flood management initiatives along the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, the newspaper functions as a living archive for Washington County.
Core Coverage Pillars
- Municipal and County Government: Detailed reporting on Marietta City Council meetings, Washington County Commissioners' decisions, zoning changes, public infrastructure projects, and local judicial proceedings.
- Regional Athletics: Comprehensive coverage of Marietta High School Tigers athletics, local small-college sports including Marietta College Pioneers, and youth league championships throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.
- Community Events and Culture: Coverage of annual regional traditions such as the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, local heritage celebrations, festivals, non-profit fundraisers, and human-interest profiles.
- Public Safety and Emergency Services: Timely updates regarding local law enforcement, fire department responses, emergency management agency alerts, and public health announcements.
Navigating Print and Digital Subscription Options
Modern readers access The Marietta Times through a hybrid delivery model designed to accommodate both traditional print subscribers and digital-first audiences. Choosing the right subscription tier depends on individual reading habits, delivery location, and device preferences.
| Subscription Tier | Delivery Method | Access Level | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Access Digital | Website, Mobile Site, App | Unlimited digital articles, archives, and newsletters | Readers who consume news on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers |
| Weekend Print + Digital | Saturday/Sunday Home Delivery + Full Digital | Weekend physical newspaper plus complete digital access | Readers who enjoy the traditional weekend reading experience combined with daily digital updates |
| Full Daily Print + Digital | Monday through Saturday Home Delivery + Full Digital | Every physical edition delivered to the doorstep plus complete digital access | Traditionalists who rely on daily home delivery alongside instant digital breaking news |
Subscribers managing their accounts can utilize customer service hotlines or the official online portal to handle temporary delivery holds, address changes, and billing inquiries. Digital accounts typically include access to electronic replica editions, allowing readers to view the exact layout of the physical newspaper on electronic devices.
Advertising, Classifieds, and Community Announcements
Beyond news dissemination, The Marietta Times functions as a vital commercial and social marketplace for southeastern Ohio. Local businesses, real estate agents, and private parties leverage the publication's classifieds and display advertising networks to reach consumers across Washington County.
Key Advertising and Public Notice Categories
- Employment and Career Listings: Local job postings spanning healthcare, manufacturing, education, and government sectors within the Mid-Ohio Valley.
- Real Estate and Rentals: Property listings, home sales, apartment rentals, and commercial leasing opportunities across Marietta, Belpre, and surrounding townships.
- Legal and Public Notices: Officially mandated municipal, county, and judicial notices, including zoning hearings, probate filings, and public bids.
- Announcements and Milestones: Paid community notices for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, obituaries, and local business openings.
Submitting classified ads or legal notices requires adherence to specific daily deadlines managed by the advertising department. Advertisers can work directly with media consultants to design multi-platform campaigns that target both print subscribers and digital visitors.
How to Access and Contact The Marietta Times
Engaging with the newsroom, submitting press releases, or reaching out for customer support requires knowing the correct communication channels and physical location details.
- Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the primary web portal to read breaking local news, browse photo galleries, and access subscription portals.
- Submit News Tips and Press Releases: Direct community news items, sports scores, and press releases to the designated newsroom email addresses found in the contact directory.
- Contact Customer Service: Call the subscription desk directly during regular business hours to report delivery issues or manage account renewals.
- Visit the Office: The physical headquarters is situated in downtown Marietta, providing a local point of contact for walk-in classified submissions and historical newspaper inquiries.
Local Office Information: The Marietta Times is located in downtown Marietta, Ohio, serving as the journalistic anchor for Washington County and the surrounding river communities. Visitors can access administrative, advertising, and circulation services during standard weekday business hours.
Pros and Cons of Local Media Consumption via The Marietta Times
Evaluating regional news sources involves weighing the specific benefits of hyper-local coverage against the limitations inherent in smaller newsroom operations.
- Pros:
- Unmatched hyper-local coverage of Marietta city politics, county government, and regional school boards that national media ignores.
- Detailed reporting on community-level events, local business milestones, and regional high school athletics.
- Essential public safety notifications, weather updates, and emergency alerts specific to the Mid-Ohio Valley geography.
- Accessible platforms for local public notices, obituaries, and community classifieds.
- Cons:
- Limited national and international news depth compared to major metropolitan dailies or national wire services.
- Smaller newsroom staff size can restrict investigative reporting bandwidth during major multi-jurisdictional events.
- Subscription fees apply to comprehensive digital content access, restricting free article views per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Marietta Times?
The Marietta Times is a daily local newspaper and digital media outlet covering Marietta, Ohio, and the broader Washington County region. It provides essential daily reporting on local government, sports, community events, and public notices.
How can I submit an obituary or local announcement?
Obituaries and community announcements can be submitted through the publication's advertising or classifieds department by contacting the office directly or using online submission forms. Deadlines vary depending on whether the notice is scheduled for the print edition or digital archives.
Does The Marietta Times offer home delivery?
Yes, home delivery options include weekend-only delivery and full daily delivery across designated distribution zones in Marietta and surrounding areas of Washington County. Digital-only subscriptions are also available for readers outside the delivery footprint.
How do I contact the newsroom to report a local news story?
Local news tips, press releases, and event notices can be submitted via email through the contact section on the official website. Newsroom editors review submissions daily for inclusion in upcoming print and digital editions.
What geographic areas does the newspaper primarily cover?
The publication primarily serves Marietta, Ohio, along with surrounding municipalities and townships throughout Washington County, Ohio, and adjacent communities across the Ohio River in West Virginia.
