Overview
The Pacific Daily News (PDN) is a daily newspaper published in Guam, a United States‑organized, unincorporated territory in the western Pacific Ocean. It is the island’s largest circulated newspaper and provides coverage of local, regional, and national news, as well as sports, business, and entertainment.
History
- Founding: The newspaper was established in 1950 under the name Guam Daily News by the Pacific Publishing Corporation.
- Renaming: In 1979, the title was changed to Pacific Daily News to reflect a broader regional focus.
- Ownership changes: The PDN was owned by the Gannett Company from 1991 until 2021, when Gannett sold the paper to local investors led by former Guam senator and businessman, James (Jim) C. Duncan.
Publication Details
- Format: The newspaper is printed in a broadsheet format and is also available digitally through its website and mobile applications.
- Frequency: The print edition is published six days a week, Monday through Saturday; a Sunday edition is not produced.
- Headquarters: The newsroom and administrative offices are located in Hagåtña, Guam.
Editorial Focus and Content
The Pacific Daily News covers a variety of topics, including:
- Local news: Government affairs, community events, public safety, and cultural activities on Guam.
- Regional coverage: Issues affecting the Mariana Islands and other Pacific territories.
- National and international news: Content syndicated from wire services such as the Associated Press.
- Sports: High school athletics, collegiate sports (notably the University of Guam), and U.S. professional leagues.
- Business: Local commerce, tourism, and economic development initiatives.
Circulation and Reach
- Print circulation: As of the most recent audited figures available in 2022, the PDN had a daily print circulation of approximately 12,000 copies.
- Digital readership: The newspaper’s website, pacificnewscenter.com, receives several hundred thousand page views per month, serving both residents of Guam and a diaspora audience.
Notable Achievements
- The Pacific Daily News has received multiple awards from the Associated Press Media Editors (APME) and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) for excellence in reporting, photography, and editorial writing.
- In 2015, the paper was recognized for its comprehensive coverage of Typhoon Soudelor’s impact on Guam, providing critical information on emergency response and recovery efforts.
Ownership and Management (as of 2024)
- Owner: Pacific Daily News Holdings, LLC (a consortium of Guam‑based investors).
- Publisher: Michael H. Shimamura (appointed 2022).
- Editor‑in‑Chief: Maria L. Santos (appointed 2023).
Online Presence
- The PDN’s digital platform offers a pay‑wall model with limited free content and subscription options for full access.
- Social media channels include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where the newspaper shares breaking news alerts and community stories.
Community Role
The Pacific Daily News is frequently referenced by Guam’s governmental agencies, non‑profit organizations, and educational institutions as a primary source of public information. It also sponsors local events such as the annual “Guam Newspaper Hall of Fame” ceremony and community outreach programs focusing on media literacy.
References
- “Pacific Daily News.” Pacific Daily News Official Website. Accessed July 2026.
- “Gannett Sells Pacific Daily News.” Press Release, Gannett Company, March 2021.
- “APME Awards Winners 2020‑2022.” Associated Press Media Editors.
Note: All figures and personnel listings reflect the most recent publicly available data as of July 2026.
