Local journalists shop where their readers do. They are part of the communities they cover: They live alongside their readers, their children attend the same schools and they encounter the people they write about every day. When it comes to accountability, accuracy matters – because mistakes will be challenged directly and personally.

So too will failing to take local successes seriously or missing important news. Readers of local newspapers consider the publication ‘theirs’ – and rightly so – and they will not hesitate to tap an editor or journalist on the shoulder in the supermarket queue to ask why their community’s stories were ignored.

But any good local journalist will see this close relationship with their readers as a strength. They have access to the contacts they need when a story breaks, hear about news as it unfolds and experience the reward of seeing the difference their articles make in the community.

Few other publications will consistently celebrate the achievements of local businesses, schools and sportspeople. This is what sets local publications apart from national ones. In a world where national and international news is available at the click of a button, local publications remain focused on the stories that matter most to the communities they serve – shining a spotlight on the place you call home.

113 newspapers, 55 news sites

But local does not mean limited. Caxton Media’s 113 local newspapers have embraced digital platforms, expanding the ways they connect with their communities. Through their news sites, Facebook and other social media pages, WhatsApp channels and Caxton’s mobile news app, they ensure readers can access local stories wherever and whenever they need them, while remaining deeply rooted in the places they serve.

The reach of local journalism extends even further through Caxton Network News, which handpicks significant stories from Caxton’s Local News Network and shares them across the network’s platforms. Drawing on reporting from 55 news sites representing Caxton Media’s 113 print newspapers, Caxton Network News ensures that stories with wider relevance reach audiences beyond their original communities.

Local roots, large network

As part of Caxton Media, your local publication is one of South Africa’s largest and most connected media networks. This network includes two dailies, The Citizen and The Witness. In June 2026, Caxton Media’s print readership was 8.8 million (locals – 7.7 million, The Citizen – 943 000 and The Witness – 182 000).

While local and national journalism remain at the heart of Caxton’s operations, the company has expanded beyond traditional news through specialist digital platforms that connect audiences with content tailored to their interests.

Caxton Media’s digital division complements its news portfolio with specialist digital brands including Guzzle – a website and app bringing together the latest retail catalogues and weekly deals – as well as Ignition Buy and Sell and Infinity.

In June 2026, the group’s combined digital reach was 11.5 million (LNN – 5.4 million, The Citizen – four million, The Witness – 649 868, Guzzle 1.5 million).

That’s 20.3 million monthly touchpoints across print and digital and a combined social media following of 6.1 million.

Technology has changed the way readers access news, but it has not changed the role of local journalism. Strong communities still depend on trusted reporting that reflects the places where people live, work, learn and celebrate life’s milestones. And that is at the heart of Caxton Media, with your local newspaper one of the arteries carrying the lifeblood needed to keep it pumping.

To follow your local news

Click here to add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from your local publication in Google News and Top Stories.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.