San Diego Reader Publication History and Overview

The San Diego Reader is an alternative press newspaper serving San Diego County, California. Established as a weekly publication, the paper began distribution through street boxes and retail locations.

History

The newspaper was founded in October 1972 by Jim Holman, a Navy veteran who had previously worked for the Chicago Reader. The inaugural print run consisted of 20,000 copies, with a printing cost of $400. Circulation grew significantly over subsequent decades, reaching 131,000 copies per week by 1989 and approximately 90,000 by 2015.

Throughout its history, the publication's offices relocated several times across San Diego. Early locations included O'Sullivan Square on Kettner Boulevard starting in 1974, a converted industrial building at 635 State Street in the late 1970s, a former restaurant in Little Italy in 1988, and offices in Golden Hill in 2012.

Editorial Policies and Reception

In a 1989 profile, the Los Angeles Times described the paper as having developed a liberal reputation, while noting publisher Jim Holman's conservative moral guidelines. These guidelines included refusing advertisements for abortion services and banning personal advertisements seeking homosexual relationships, a policy later expanded to prohibit all personal advertisements.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the publication faced financial pressures, resulting in 30 employees agreeing to temporary pay reductions equivalent to half of their salaries.

Transition to Digital-Only Publication

In February 2024, Jim Holman announced that Matt Lickona had purchased the newspaper for one dollar and assumed the roles of owner and editor. Concurrently, it was announced that the print edition would cease publication, with the outlet transitioning exclusively to digital operations.