In a world of failing newspapers, free weeklies like The Chronicle of Glens Falls, N.Y., are still finding readers. All it takes is owners who do absolutely everything.

These small independent papers survive by relying on community support and hyperlocal coverage. They focus on city council meetings, school events, and local business openings rather than national news.

Glens Falls's paper has maintained circulation for over a decade despite industry-wide declines. The owner handles printing, delivery, advertising sales, and reporting with minimal staff.

Other surviving weeklies include The Tribune in Woodward, Oklahoma, and The Daily Herald in Roanoke, Virginia. These papers prove that local journalism can thrive when owners are deeply embedded in their communities.

The key is staying relevant to readers' daily lives. By covering everything from pothole repairs to local sports teams, these papers maintain loyal followings that larger outlets cannot match.