syracuse.com
What is Syracuse.com
Syracuse.com is a digital news site covering the Central New York region, anchored in the city of Syracuse, New York. Its scope includes local news, sports, community events, opinion pieces and more. It’s closely tied to the daily newspaper The Post‑Standard (also based in Syracuse). (Wikipedia)
The site is operated by Advance Media New York (through media brands and newspapers owned by Advance Publications) in the region. (Wikipedia)
History & Background
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The Post-Standard dates back to 1829 (founded as The Onondaga Standard) and evolved into a major local daily in Central New York. (Wikipedia)
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At some point, the digital presence evolved via Syracuse.com, making the news organization more web-centric.
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The site has been used for wider digital journalism and archives; for example, the library at Syracuse University notes that since Fall 2020 the university’s students and faculty get special access to Syracuse.com’s pay-wall via an agreement. (Syracuse University Research Guides)
What makes it useful
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It covers local news: politics, government, community issues, sports (including high-school and college), business and culture in Central New York.
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It acts as a digital repository and access point (which is useful for researchers, libraries, students) of both current news and archival material. The Syracuse University library guide describes it as “an excellent access point to digital journalism covering … the Syracuse and Central New York Region.” (Syracuse University Research Guides)
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On reliability: According to the media‐analysis firm Ad Fontes Media, the Post-Standard (and by extension the affiliated website) is rated “Middle” on bias and “Reliable, Analysis/Fact Reporting” in reliability. (Ad Fontes Media)
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Because of its local focus, Syracuse.com provides depth in topics that national outlets may skip—meaning it's especially relevant if you are interested in Central New York matters.
Business & Audience Context
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Syracuse.com is part of a media ecosystem in Central New York where the print newspaper and digital brand are interconnected. (Wikipedia)
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Its reach is significant in its market; for example, the library guide mentions it is the main digital option for local journalism in the region. That suggests good audience penetration locally.
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The site uses a pay-wall/subscription model for access to some content (as is common with local news media making the transition to digital). The SU library guide references “exclusive access behind the paywall” for SU affiliates. (Syracuse University Research Guides)
Challenges & Considerations
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Local news media generally face challenges: declining print revenues, digital competition, audience fragmentation. Syracuse.com is working within that environment.
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While rated “reliable” by Ad Fontes, the “Middle” bias score signals that readers should still be alert to how stories may be framed and check for multiple sources where appropriate. (Ad Fontes Media)
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If you're outside Central New York, some content may feel very localized or may require subscription access.
Why someone might use it
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If you're living in or studying up on Central New York, Syracuse.com gives you a go-to site for local happenings.
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If you need local archival news (e.g., historical research, student projects) this site along with its print partner provides useful logs and resources.
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If you’re interested in media studies, the transition of a traditional newspaper publisher to digital-first or digital-centric is exemplified here.
Key Takeaways
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Syracuse.com is a major local digital news platform for the Syracuse, New York / Central New York region.
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It is backed by a long-standing print newspaper (The Post-Standard) and a major media company (Advance Publications).
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It offers reliable news coverage (per external ratings), though as with any media source it’s smart to cross-check important items.
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Its content is especially meaningful if your interest lies in that geographic region; for broader or national news you’ll likely look elsewhere.
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It illustrates how local news media are adapting in the digital age (subscriptions, pay-walls, affiliations with universities).
FAQ
Q: Is all content on Syracuse.com free?
A: No. Some content is behind a pay-wall or requires subscription access, particularly the value-added or exclusive items. For example, Syracuse University users have special access. (Syracuse University Research Guides)
Q: Does Syracuse.com only cover Syracuse city?
A: No. While headquartered in Syracuse, New York, it covers the broader Central New York region—areas beyond Syracuse city itself.
Q: Can I trust the reporting on Syracuse.com?
A: Yes, broadly speaking. According to Ad Fontes Media, its parent newspaper is rated “Reliable, Analysis/Fact Reporting.” (Ad Fontes Media) Still, like any media outlet, it’s wise to read critically, especially for opinion pieces or editorial content.
Q: How far back do the archives go?
A: You’ll find that the Syracuse University library guide points to archiving of newspapers back to the mid-1980s via NewsBank and even earlier in some cases via NewspaperArchive. (Syracuse University Research Guides)
Q: Why would a researcher use Syracuse.com?
A: Because it gives digital access to regional journalism—helpful for studies in local politics, community change, journalism/media evolution, local business, historical research in Central New York.
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