San Diego Reader: A History of Local Journalism
The San Diego Reader stands as a notable fixture in the landscape of local media, evolving from a modest startup into a significant voice within the community. Founded by Jim Holman, a navy veteran who honed his skills at the Chicago Reader, the publication began its journey in San Diego with a humble first press run of 20,000 copies, costing just $400 to produce.
Key Facts
- Founder: Jim Holman, a navy veteran and former Chicago Reader employee.
- Peak Circulation: Reached 131,000 copies per week in 1989.
- Ownership Change: Sold to Matt Lickona in February 2024 for one dollar.
- Current Status: Print publication has ceased; the online version continues.
- Editorial Stance: Known for a mix of liberal reputation and morality-driven advertising restrictions.
Growth and Physical Evolution
Over the decades, the San Diego Reader experienced significant fluctuations in its reach. By 1989, the paper had grown to a weekly circulation of 131,000 copies, though this number shifted to 90,000 by 2015. As the publication grew, so did its physical footprint across the city.
In 1974, the office was located in O’Sullivan Square, a brick building on Kettner Blvd. By the late 1970s, operations moved to a converted industrial space at 635 State Street. The publication later relocated to a former restaurant in Little Italy in 1988, before finally moving to offices in Golden Hill in 2012.
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Editorial Philosophy and Controversies
The publication's identity has often been a study in contrasts. While a 1989 report by the Los Angeles Times noted the paper's reputation as being "liberal," founder Jim Holman implemented strict morality-driven rules regarding advertisements. These included a refusal to publish ads promoting abortion services and an initial prohibition on personal advertisements seeking homosexual relationships—a policy that was later expanded to prohibit all personal advertisements.
Beyond the Reader, Holman utilized the same office space to operate the California Catholic Daily, a pro-life website.
Modern Challenges and Transition
Like many print media outlets, the San Diego Reader faced severe headwinds during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the financial impact was so significant that 30 employees agreed to take pay cuts equivalent to half of their salaries to sustain operations.
The era of print finally came to a close in February 2024. Jim Holman announced that Matt Lickona had purchased the paper for one dollar. With this change in ownership and editorship, the print edition of the paper was shut down, though the publication continues to serve its audience through its online platform.
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Publication Summary
| Year/Period | Milestone/Location | Circulation/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | Founded by Jim Holman | 20,000 copies ($400 cost) |
| 1974 | O’Sullivan Square | Kettner Blvd Office |
| 1989 | Growth Peak | 131,000 copies/week |
| 2012 | Golden Hill | Final Office Location |
| 2015 | Circulation Update | 90,000 copies |
| 2024 | Ownership Change | Sold to Matt Lickona for $1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the San Diego Reader?
The paper was founded by Jim Holman, a navy veteran who previously worked for the Chicago Reader.
What happened to the print edition of the paper?
Print publication was shut down in February 2024 following the sale of the paper to Matt Lickona.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the staff?
In 2020, 30 employees agreed to take a 50% pay cut to help the publication survive the pandemic's impact.
What were some of the advertising restrictions implemented by Jim Holman?
Holman prohibited advertisements for abortion services and eventually banned all personal advertisements.
Is the San Diego Reader still available?
Yes, while the print version has ended, the online version of the paper continues to operate.