I remember when I first moved to Northern California, one of the first things I did to feel connected to my new community was pick up a copy of the local paper. For Redding and the wider Shasta County area, that paper is the Redding Record Searchlight. It was more than just newsprint; it was a window into the heart of the community—the high school football scores, the city council debates, the local business openings, and the announcements of both joy and sorrow. If you are new to the area, a long-time resident, or someone trying to connect from afar, understanding how to use the Record Searchlight is key to understanding Redding itself.
This guide is here to walk you through everything you need to know about the Redding Record Searchlight. We will explore its role in the community, how to get the news, how to find important information like obituaries, and what to do if you need to contact them or manage a subscription. My goal is to make this simple and clear, so you can get the most out of this vital local resource.
What Exactly is the Redding Record Searchlight?
At its core, the Redding Record Searchlight is a daily newspaper that has been serving Redding and Shasta County for well over a century. It is not just a website or a social media page; it is a professional news organization with journalists who live in and care about this community. They cover stories that national news outlets would never notice but that matter deeply to our daily lives.
Think about the last big local issue—maybe it was a debate about a new development, coverage of a local election, or reporting on a forest fire threatening homes. The Record Searchlight was almost certainly there, providing facts, context, and a platform for community conversation. It is part of the USA TODAY Network, which means it has access to broader state and national news while maintaining its sharp focus on what is happening right here in Northern California. In a world overflowing with online noise, the Record Searchlight acts as a filter and a verified source of information for our region. Its history is woven into the history of Redding, making it an irreplaceable piece of the community’s fabric.
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How to Access Redding Record Searchlight News
Gone are the days when your only option was to wait for the paperboy to toss the folded newspaper onto your driveway. Today, the Record Searchlight offers several ways to stay informed, catering to different preferences.
The most common way people access the news is through their website, redding.com. Here, you will find breaking news stories, updated sports scores, and the latest obituaries. However, you will quickly notice that many articles are behind a “paywall.” This means you can read a few articles for free each month, but after that, you will be asked to become a subscriber. This subscription model is crucial. It is what pays the salaries of the local reporters, photographers, and editors who work hard to bring you the news. Without subscriber support, local journalism cannot survive.
For those who love the traditional feel of a newspaper, the print edition is still available. You can have it delivered to your home or pick it up at various retailers around town. But there is a fantastic modern alternative that combines the layout of the print paper with the convenience of digital access: the e-edition. The e-edition is a digital replica of the printed newspaper that you can read on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. It looks exactly like the physical paper, with the same pages, photos, and sections, but you can zoom in on articles and click on links. It is perfect for people who are attached to the classic newspaper format but do not want the pile of papers to recycle.
A Practical Tour of the Record Searchlight Website
When you visit redding.com, the homepage can feel busy, with many headlines and photos. Let me break down the key sections you will want to know about.
Typically, the top of the page has a navigation menu. You will see clear labels like “News,” which covers local government, crime, and general interest stories. The “Sports” section is a hub for everything from Shasta College games to local high school athletics—it is a big deal in a community that loves its sports. One of the most frequently visited sections is “Obituaries.” This is where the community remembers and honors those who have passed away. It is a sensitive and essential public service.
You will also find sections for “Weather,” which is obviously critical in our part of California with fire season and heat, and “Things to Do” or “Entertainment,” which lists local events, concerts, and activities. If you are looking for a specific older article, using the search bar, usually located at the top of the page, is your best bet. You can search for a person’s name, a topic, or a date.
Finding and Submitting Obituaries: A Community Service
The obituaries section is one of the most human and deeply connected parts of any local newspaper. It is more than just a list of deaths; it is a place where lives are celebrated, and the community is informed about services and memorials. I have found myself checking this section more than once when I heard an old neighbor or a former local business owner had passed away. It is a way to pay respects and stay connected.
To find recent obituaries, simply go to redding.com and click on “Obituaries” in the main menu. You will see a list of recent notices, usually from the past week or so. Each listing typically includes the person’s name, age, date of passing, and details about upcoming services. You can often click on the name to read the full obituary, which shares a biography of the person’s life, their family, their passions, and their legacy.
If you need to submit an obituary, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Most obituaries are submitted through funeral homes, which work directly with the newspaper. However, individuals can also submit them. You will need to visit the Record Searchlight’s website and look for a link that says “Submit an Obituary” or “Place an Obituary.” This is usually found within the obituaries section itself. You will be guided through a process where you type in the text, and there will be a cost associated with it based on the length. My advice is to write the obituary carefully beforehand, have a friend or family member proofread it for errors, and be prepared to provide payment information. The newspaper’s staff will then review and publish it.
Understanding Subscription Options and Costs
Let us talk about the practical side of things: how much does it cost to support and access the Record Searchlight? Like most media companies today, they operate on a subscription model to fund their journalism.
They usually offer a few tiers. A “Digital Only” subscription is the most common. This gives you full, unlimited access to redding.com and the Record Searchlight e-edition. The cost can vary, but it is often very affordable, sometimes just a few dollars a month, especially for new subscribers. They also offer “Print + Digital” bundles, which include home delivery of the physical newspaper along with all the digital access. This is the most comprehensive option but also the most expensive.
You might be wondering, “Can I read it for free?” The answer is, only in a limited way. As mentioned, you get a few free articles per month. You may also find that some obituaries or brief news alerts are not behind the paywall. But for consistent, deep access, a subscription is required. I see this not as a barrier, but as an investment. You are investing in having reporters at city hall, you are investing in coverage of your child’s school sports, and you are investing in a shared source of truth for the community. To manage your subscription—whether you need to pay a bill, change your address, or temporarily pause delivery—you can log into your account on redding.com.
How to Contact the Redding Record Searchlight
There may be times when you need to get in touch with the newspaper directly. The reasons can vary widely. Perhaps you have a news tip about a story the public should know. Maybe you want to place a classified ad or a larger display advertisement for your business. Or, you might be having technical trouble with your subscription or your online account.
For customer service issues related to your subscription—like delivery problems, billing questions, or login troubles—the best place to start is the customer service phone number or the online help center listed on their website. This is usually under a “Contact Us” or “Customer Service” link.
For newsroom-related inquiries, such as submitting a news tip or contacting a specific reporter, you should look for the “Newsroom” or “Contact the Newsroom” information. Often, there will be a general newsroom email address. If you are looking to submit a letter to the editor, the guidelines and email address for that are usually published in the opinion section of the paper and on the website.
Remember, the people working at the Record Searchlight are your neighbors. They are professionals, but they are also part of this community. A polite and clear explanation of your reason for contacting will always get you the best results.
Conclusion
The Redding Record Searchlight is far more than just a source of headlines. It is a community institution, a historical record, and a vital thread that connects the people of Shasta County. In an age of digital confusion, it provides a foundation of verified local news and information. From keeping up with city politics to honoring the lives of community members through obituaries, the work it does is fundamental to our civic health. By choosing to engage with it—whether as a reader, a subscriber, or someone who contributes a story—you are actively participating in and strengthening the community we all call home. I encourage you to explore redding.com, consider the value of a subscription, and make the Record Searchlight a regular part of your connection to Northern California.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does a Redding Record Searchlight subscription cost?
Prices can change, but a digital-only subscription often starts around $3 to $5 per month for new subscribers. Print and digital bundles cost more. The best way to get current rates is to visit redding.com and look for the “Subscribe” option.
2. How can I read the Record Searchlight for free?
You can read a limited number of articles on redding.com for free each month. Some content, like certain obituaries and brief alerts, may also be free. For consistent, unlimited access, a subscription is required.
3. How do I submit an obituary to the Record Searchlight?
The easiest way is often through the funeral home handling the arrangements. However, individuals can also submit obituaries directly via a form on the redding.com website, usually found in the “Obituaries” section. There is a fee based on the length of the obituary.
4. What is the e-edition?
The e-edition is a digital replica of the full print newspaper. It looks exactly like the physical paper and can be read on any computer, tablet, or phone. It is included with most subscriptions.
5. How do I contact the Record Searchlight newsroom?
For news tips or to contact a reporter, you should use the “Contact Us” information on redding.com. Look for a “Newsroom” or “Submit a News Tip” link. For subscription and delivery issues, use the dedicated “Customer Service” contact details.
