The Plain Dealer is a daily newspaper serving Cleveland, Ohio, and Northeast Ohio. It is the major newspaper for the region and is known for its comprehensive local news coverage, as well as state, national, and international news.
Founded in 1842 as a weekly publication, The Plain Dealer transitioned to a daily paper in 1845. Over its long history, it has evolved from a politically affiliated newspaper to a more independent and broad-based publication.
Historically, The Plain Dealer has been a significant voice in Ohio politics and civic affairs. Its editorial board publishes endorsements for political candidates and takes stances on important local and state issues.
In recent years, The Plain Dealer has faced challenges common to the newspaper industry, including declining circulation and revenue, leading to staff reductions and changes in publication frequency. While it continues to publish online daily, the print edition is now published several times a week under a content-sharing agreement with Cleveland.com. Cleveland.com provides daily digital news coverage, while The Plain Dealer focuses on in-depth reporting and analysis in its print editions.