You wake up, shuffle to the kitchen, and grab the morning paper. As you sip your coffee and unfold it, those bold headlines and colorful photos pull you in. Whether it’s breaking news, sports updates, or the latest entertainment gossip, your local newspaper keeps you informed and entertained. But have you ever wondered about the journey that scrap of paper takes to land on your doorstep?
There’s a whole world that happens behind the scenes before the daily news hits your hands. From the reporters chasing leads to the press operators working the printing machines, hundreds of people contribute to bringing you the news each day. In this article, we’ll peel back the curtain and reveal everything that goes into publishing your hometown newspaper. You’ll gain fascinating insider knowledge about this staple of communities across the country.
History and Background of the Star Advertiser
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is Hawaii’s largest daily newspaper. It was formed in 2010 through the merger of The Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin, one of the merging newspapers, was the second largest daily newspaper in Hawaii before its publication ceased in 2010. It was founded in 1882 and was known for its local news coverage and its award-winning journalism. At the time of its merger, the Star-Bulletin had been publishing for 128 years.
The Honolulu Advertiser
The Honolulu Advertiser was founded in 1856 and was an important institution in the islands for over 150 years. It was the largest newspaper in Hawaii and was also known for its local news coverage, as well as its editorial page.
A New Era
The merger of these two historic Honolulu newspapers created the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, which combined the resources of both publications. The new paper aimed to provide the best of local news coverage with expanded sections, as well as enhanced world and national news. The merger was meant to allow the new publication to remain financially viable in the increasingly challenging media landscape.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser continues the long tradition of both the Advertiser and the Star-Bulletin in providing award-winning journalism and extensive coverage of news, sports, and events in Hawaii. The combined legacy of these two newspapers lives on in this new publication, which remains an important institution in the islands.
Content and Coverage Offered by the Star Advertiser
The Star Advertiser is your go-to source for what’s happening on the Hawaiian islands. ### News coverage
As Hawaii’s largest daily newspaper, the Star Advertiser provides in-depth coverage of local and national news, politics, education, business, sports, entertainment, and more. You can stay up-to-date on the latest headlines from Honolulu and beyond.
Feature stories
In addition to news reports, the Star Advertiser publishes compelling feature stories and editorials. They explore topics like Hawaiian culture and history, profiles of local leaders and heroes, environmental issues affecting the islands, and much more.
Sports
The Star Advertiser has you covered if you’re a sports fan. They report on University of Hawaii athletics like football, basketball, baseball and volleyball. You can also follow major pro sports, high school sports, surfing, and events like the Honolulu Marathon.
Entertainment and events
Want to know about upcoming concerts, festivals or family activities? The Star Advertiser highlights the latest events and entertainment options around Oahu and the neighboring islands. They review new movies, books, music, restaurants, and plays as well.
Opinion and editorial
The editorial pages feature insightful commentary and opinions on issues that matter to Hawaii. Columnists and guest contributors weigh in on political and social topics to stimulate discussion and debate.
The Star Advertiser strives to reflect the diverse voices and values of the Hawaiian community. With something for everyone, it’s a one-stop resource for living in paradise.
Key Staff and Contributors for the Star Advertiser
Dennis Francis, President and Publisher
As president of Oahu Publications and publisher of the Star-Advertiser, Dennis Francis oversees the daily operations of Hawaii’s largest newspaper. He has worked for Oahu Publications for over 20 years and became publisher of the Star-Advertiser when it formed in 2010 after the merger of The Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Marsha McFadden, Managing Editor
Marsha McFadden serves as the Managing Editor of News for the Star-Advertiser. She manages a team of editors and reporters covering news, politics, education, and events shaping life in Hawaii. McFadden has over 25 years of experience as a journalist in Hawaii and the Pacific. Before becoming an editor, she worked as a reporter, columnist, and city editor for the Star-Advertiser.
Pat Gee, Feature Writer
Pat Gee is a feature writer and columnist for the Star-Advertiser best known for authoring the popular monthly column “Old Friends.” The column profiles longtime residents of Hawaii and shares stories of life in the islands in decades past. Gee has worked as a journalist for over 40 years in Hawaii, covering human interest stories and the local community. Her work helps to document the history and cultural heritage of Hawaii through the lives of native Hawaiians and long-time residents.
The key staff and contributors are instrumental to the success and community impact of the Star-Advertiser. With decades of combined experience reporting on and shaping news coverage of life in Hawaii, they work to inform readers with stories that both reflect the current events of each day as well as document the history of the Hawaiian islands over time. Their work shapes both how we see the world today and how we will understand the past tomorrow.
Where to Find and Access the Star Advertiser
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser is the largest daily newspaper in Hawaii. There are a few ways you can access the news and information it provides.
Website and Mobile App
The Star-Advertiser’s website and mobile app are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can read articles, watch videos, get weather and traffic updates, browse classifieds, and more. The website is optimized for mobile devices so you can stay on top of the news wherever you go.
Print Edition
If you prefer reading an actual newspaper, the Star-Advertiser publishes daily editions that are available for purchase at stores, newsstands, and vending machines across Oahu. Home delivery is also available with various subscription options.
Subscription Services
For the most comprehensive access, you can sign up for a digital or print subscription. Digital subscriptions provide full access to the website and mobile apps. Print subscriptions include delivery of the daily newspaper along with full digital access. Subscription rates vary depending on the plan and options you choose. Discounted student and military rates are also available.
Customer Service
If you have any questions about subscriptions, billing, or delivery, the Star-Advertiser’s customer service team is available to assist you. You can call them at (808) 529-4700 or (800) 522-6645, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. They can also be reached via email at [email protected].
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser aims to provide the latest news and information to keep the people of Hawaii informed and connected. With multiple ways to access their content, staying up-to-date on current events has never been easier. Check them out and stay in the know.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Star Advertiser
As a long-time institution in Hawaii, the Star Advertiser receives many questions from readers. Here are some of the most common FAQs and their answers:
What are the subscription options?
The Star Advertiser offers several subscription options to suit your needs. You can get newsstand copies, home delivery 7 days a week, or opt for weekend delivery. Digital subscriptions are also available for reading on your computer, tablet or phone.
Can I get customer service help?
Yes, the Star Advertiser operates a customer service center to help subscribers. You can call them at 808-529-4700 or toll-free at 1-800-662-6397. The call center is open Monday through Friday 7am to 5pm, and on weekends from 7am to noon. They can help you start or stop a subscription, change your delivery address, inquire about billing, or report any delivery issues.
What topics does the Star Advertiser cover?
The Star Advertiser aims to be Hawaii’s top source for breaking news and information. They cover a wide range of topics including:
- Local and national political news
- Business and economy news
- Sports news on University of Hawaii athletics, high school sports as well as professional sports
- Entertainment and lifestyle content on events, food, movies, music, arts and culture in Hawaii
- Weather and surf reports for locations across the Hawaiian islands
Can I access articles online?
Yes, in addition to the print edition, you can access the Star-Advertiser online at staradvertiser.com. The website and mobile apps provide digital access to all the latest news, sports, entertainment, business and opinion coverage. Most content is available for subscribers only, but some articles and sections are free for anyone to read. Digital access is included with all print subscriptions.
How do I contact the Star Advertiser?
The Star Advertiser can be reached in several ways:
- Phone: 808-529-4700 or toll-free at 1-800-662-6397
- Email: [email protected] for editorial inquiries or [email protected] for subscription help
- Mail: P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, HI 96802
- Social media: @StarAdvertiser on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you could possibly want to know about the Star Advertiser. From its humble beginnings as a small local paper to its evolution into one of the most widely read publications in Hawaii, it’s been an interesting journey. Sure, the world of print news faces challenges in the digital age.
But the Star Advertiser has adapted and continues to be an important part of island life. As long as we have folks who care about our community and want to stay informed, the Star Advertiser will be there to serve us. That’s the real story this paper tells – one of connection. Of holding on to who we are and where we came from, even as the world changes around us. And that’s something we can all appreciate. 100 words