The Commercial Appeal is Memphis’ leading source for impactful journalism, rooted in a legacy of public service and community engagement. Located at 120 S. Front St. in Downtown Memphis, we are proud to be part of the USA TODAY Network and a Gannett news organization. We first published in 1841.
We are committed to delivering local news that matters — stories that inform, inspire and hold power to account. Whether it’s watchdog and explanatory reporting on the surge of federal law enforcement in Memphis or in-depth features on Memphis’ vibrant music and food scenes, our journalists strive to make a difference in the lives of our readers every day.
Our mission is simple: to serve the Memphis area with integrity, urgency and depth. We believe in the power of journalism to strengthen communities, and we strive to help readers navigate life in Memphis and Shelby and Desoto counties.
Kayakers paddle in Hyde Lake during a sunset on May 31, 2025 at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tenn.
🌆 Community Commitment
Our journalists are your neighbors. They live here, work here, shop here and believe in the future of a better Memphis. From coverage of artificial intelligence firm xAI to education and local growth and development, we are deeply invested in the stories that shape our region.
📱 Modern Access
In addition to our six-day a week print editions, we provide breaking news and in-depth reporting on your phone, tablet or computer. Our digital platforms ensure you’re always connected to the latest developments. Our eNewspaper is available daily after 5 a.m.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
The Commercial Appeal has earned acclaim for its excellence in journalism and community engagement.
The CA won four top-3 honors — including a first-place award — in the Super Bowl of sports journalism contests, the 2024 Associated Press Sports Editors contest.
Photographer Chris Day won for best feature photo in The Commercial Appeal’s circulation category in the APSE contest. The winning photo was taken on March 13, 2024, at the Class 1A TSSAA boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal game in Murfreesboro. It featured dejected Middle College player Patrick Mask and a pair of jubilant Gordonsville players.
Memphis basketball beat writer Jason Munz was awarded a trio of third-place honors — one for beat writing (his third straight top-five finish), one for long feature and one for breaking news, with co-author Jonah Dylan, the CA’s Memphis football beat writer.
Who owns The Commercial Appeal?
The CA is part of the USA TODAY Network, the largest local-to-national publishing and digital media organization in the country. The network serves 220 local markets across the U.S. and averages 181 million unique visitors a month.
As part of the USA TODAY Network, Th CA uses USA TODAY Network Style Guide, which embodies our unwavering commitment to clarity, accuracy, consistency and transparency in journalism. The document aims to provide clarity and accuracy in reporting, addressing contemporary issues and nuanced terminology with precision and sensitivity. Crafted to adapt to the unique demands of each story, the guide provides flexibility while upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
Who works at the The Commercial Appeal?
Mark Russell was appointed executive editor of The Commercial Appeal in June 2017. He joined The CA as managing editor in late September 2013, and led the award-winning Confederate Reckoning project in 2020. He also was named regional editor for Gannett’s South region in 2023. That region includes newsrooms in Tennessee, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
You can find a list of CA staffers in this staff directory.
Stay connected
We offer several newsletters, including ones devoted to food and dining, suburban news and development and inspirational stories. Our Daily Briefing newsletter includes a daily rundown of stories we think readers should know about. You can sign up for our newsletters here.
And you connect with our content on the following sites:
Facebook: facebook.com/commercialappeal
X/Twitter: @memphisnews
Instagram: @memphisnews
TikTok: @commercialappeal
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: The Commercial is the area’s best news source
