Alternative weekly

An alternative weekly, alternately referred to as an alternative newsweekly or alternative newspaper, is a form of alternative media newspaper found in many centres in the United States and Canada. They are commonly independent of larger media conglomerates, though exceptions exist. They are found in most large urban centres in North America, many smaller cities and even some more rural or exurban areas.

Related Topics:
Alternative media - United States - Canada - Media conglomerate - Exurb

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Alternative weeklies represent the contemporary, earnest (though some favor highly ironic styles), more commercial and more mainstream evolution of the underground press associated with the 1960s counterculture. Their focus remains on arts and entertainment and social and political reportage. Rather than comprehensive coverage of general news, an alternative weekly's content is dominated by often opinionated reviews, features and columns. Editorial positions at alternative weeklies are predominantly left-leaning, though there is a small minority of strongly conservative and/or libertarian alt-weeklies as well.

Related Topics:
Underground press - 1960s - Counterculture - Review - Feature - Column - Editorial - Left - Conservative - Libertarian

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Columns commonly syndicated to alternative weeklies include "The Straight Dope," Dan Savage's "Savage Love," Rob Breszny's "Free Will Astrology," and Ben Tausig's crossword puzzle "Ink Well." Quirky, non-mainstream comics, such as Matt Groening's Life in Hell, Lynda Barry's Ernie Pook's Comeek and Ruben Bolling's Tom the Dancing Bug, are also common.

Related Topics:
Syndicated - The Straight Dope - Dan Savage - Savage Love - Rob Breszny - Free Will Astrology - Ben Tausig - Ink Well - Comic - Matt Groening - Life in Hell - Lynda Barry - Ernie Pook's Comeek - Ruben Bolling - Tom the Dancing Bug

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Alternative weeklies are favored advertising media for local bars, clubs, arts and entertainment. They usually include comprehensive classified and personals sections, as well as ads for adult entertainment (like adult bookstores or strip clubs). Audiences tend to be young-to-middle-aged adults. Most alternative weeklies are free of charge and completely advertiser-supported. Many alternative weeklies have a similar physical appearance, being tabloid sized and printed on newsprint.

Related Topics:
Advertising - Tabloid - Newsprint

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The Village Voice, based in New York City, is one of the first and most well-known examples.

Related Topics:
Village Voice - New York City

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The Association of Alternative Newsweeklies is the central body of alternative weeklies. The Alternative Weekly Network and the Ruxton Group are national advertising sales representatives for alternative weeklies.

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