About Real Pennsylvania News
Real News from the Commonwealth
​Real news goes beyond merely reporting facts; it seeks to uncover the human stories behind the headlines and present them with honesty and integrity. Communities deserve coverage that reflects their unique character and challenges while holding institutions accountable in a fair and impartial manner. At its core, authentic journalism is unfiltered and unapologetically truthful, yet it must also be delivered with empathy and respect for those it impacts.
A Brief History of News in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a proud and influential history when it comes to news and newspapers. In fact, it’s home to the very first newspaper in the American colonies. Back in 1719, The American Weekly Mercury began printing in Philadelphia. It was started by Andrew Bradford and quickly became a source of information for early settlers—covering topics like politics, trade, and public notices.
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Not long after, Benjamin Franklin made his mark by taking over The Pennsylvania Gazette in 1729. Under Franklin, the paper became one of the most successful and respected newspapers in colonial America. His sharp writing, political cartoons, and editorials helped shape public opinion leading up to the American Revolution.
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As time went on, Pennsylvania became a center for journalism. Cities like Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Allentown launched their own papers. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, founded in the mid-1800s, became a staple for Western Pennsylvania, while the Philadelphia Inquirer—one of the oldest surviving papers in the U.S.—grew into a nationally recognized voice.
In the 20th century, newspapers in Pennsylvania covered everything from industrial booms and labor strikes to sports, politics, and world wars. And while today’s media landscape has shifted toward digital, many of the state’s news organizations still carry on that legacy of trusted reporting.
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Pennsylvania’s newspaper history isn’t just about printing stories—it’s about shaping them. From Franklin’s press to the digital age, the state has remained at the heart of American journalism.
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Get to Know Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state defined by its vibrant and diverse communities—each with a story, a flavor, and a rhythm all its own. From the cobblestone charm of Old City Philadelphia to the steel-town pride of Pittsburgh’s South Side, Pennsylvania neighborhoods reflect the rich history and evolving spirit of the Keystone State. In towns like New Hope, you’ll find artsy boutiques and riverside cafés, while Lancaster blends Amish tradition with a modern creative scene. Erie, nestled along the Great Lake, offers lakefront living with small-town warmth, and Scranton—made famous by The Office—continues to embrace its industrial roots with a growing arts and food culture. Even smaller communities like Lititz, once dubbed “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel, prove that big personality comes in every size. As The New York Times once noted, Pennsylvania’s strength lies in its “patchwork of regional identities” that somehow work in harmony. Whether you’re walking the historic streets of Gettysburg or attending a pierogi festival in Pittsburgh, every corner of the state feels both familiar and one-of-a-kind. It’s this authenticity that makes Pennsylvania not just a place to live—but a place to belong. Explore PA towns or discover why people love life in the Keystone State.