The Cheshire Herald, a cornerstone of local journalism in Cheshire, Connecticut, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, solidifying its place in the modern media landscape. As of December 17, 2025, this beloved weekly newspaper continues to serve the community, providing essential coverage that ranges from town politics and local events to high school sports and business developments.
Far from being a static entity, the *Herald*'s story is one of resilience and evolution. Its journey from a family-owned publication to its current status under the umbrella of a major regional media conglomerate is a fascinating case study in how local news maintains its relevance in the digital age, all while staying true to the founding philosophies that have guided its staff for over seven decades.
The True Legacy: Founders and History of The Cheshire Herald
The foundation of The Cheshire Herald is deeply rooted in the vision of a single family, a fact that speaks volumes about its dedication to the town of Cheshire, CT. The paper was not an overnight success but a carefully cultivated local institution.
Founders' Profile: Howard and Ruth True
- Names: Howard True and Ruth True
- Role: Co-Founders and Longtime Owners
- Founding Year: 1953
- Initial Vision: To create Cheshire's definitive hometown newspaper, focusing on the specific needs and stories of the local community.
- Philosophies: The paper's current staff, even decades later, continues to be guided by the original philosophies and ideologies established by Mr. True.
- Ownership Tenure: The True family and subsequent private owners maintained control for 66 years, making the paper's sale a truly historic event for the community.
The True family's commitment ensured that The Cheshire Herald became more than just a source of information; it became an archive of local history. The Cheshire Public Library, for instance, maintains an extensive index of obituaries and newspaper articles, providing a vital resource for genealogy and local history researchers.
The paper’s longevity is a testament to its successful model of hyper-local coverage. It has documented everything from the town's establishment (which separated from Wallingford in 1780) to modern-day political and social issues.
From Local Owners to Media Giants: The Acquisition Timeline
The most significant and recent chapter in The Cheshire Herald's history involves a series of acquisitions that have placed it within one of the largest media organizations in Connecticut. This transition highlights the shifting economic landscape for weekly newspapers.
The first major shift occurred when the paper was sold to the RJ Media Group. The sale marked only the third time the newspaper had changed ownership in its 66-year history.
The RJ Media Group, publishers of the daily Record-Journal in Meriden, CT, acquired the Cheshire Herald to expand its regional footprint. Importantly, the *Herald* was not shut down; it continued to operate from its Cheshire location with its full staff, ensuring continuity for its readership.
The second, and most current, development is the acquisition of the RJ Media Group itself by the Hearst Connecticut Media Group (HCMG). This finalized deal brought the *Cheshire Herald* under the umbrella of a massive media entity that owns numerous other publications across the state.
This move connects the *Herald* to a much larger network, potentially offering expanded resources and digital capabilities while retaining its crucial local focus. The integration into the Hearst CT Media network ensures the paper remains a vibrant source of local news, now with the backing of a major media parent company.
What The Cheshire Herald Covers Today: Essential Local Entities
Despite the changes in ownership, the core mission of The Cheshire Herald remains unchanged: to provide comprehensive coverage of the town of Cheshire. Its content is a vital mix of reporting and community features, making it an indispensable resource for residents.
Key Coverage Areas and Topical Entities
The weekly edition and its associated online presence, now often found under the CT Insider platform, focus on several essential local entities and topics, providing depth that larger regional papers often overlook.
- Local Government and Town Politics: In-depth reporting on the Town of Cheshire's council meetings, budget decisions, and local elections.
- Education and Schools: Extensive coverage of the Cheshire Public Schools, including the Board of Education, capital projects (such as updates on new schools), and events at Cheshire High School.
- Sports Coverage: Dedicated sections for local sports teams, a crucial feature for a community-focused publication.
- Business News and Development: Reporting on new local businesses, economic development within the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region, and classifieds for local services.
- Community Features: Regular 'Fun Features' and 'Special Sections' that highlight local personalities, food, culture, and events, such as the Ursid meteor shower or other seasonal happenings.
- Obituary Archives: A long-standing service that provides a record of community members, with historical archives available through institutions like the Cheshire Public Library.
The move to a larger digital platform, including a free weekday newsletter, has helped the *Herald* maintain its relevance. This blend of traditional weekly print journalism and modern digital distribution ensures that both longtime subscribers and newer, digitally-focused residents can access the most current Cheshire news.
The paper’s continued commitment to local events, such as the town’s annual gatherings and historical commemorations, ensures that it remains the true voice of the community, carrying on the tradition established by Howard and Ruth True over 70 years ago. The *Cheshire Herald* is a powerful example of how local journalism can survive and thrive through strategic adaptation within the evolving Connecticut media landscape.
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