For the first time since 1871, Red River Parish and the Town of Coushatta have only one dedicated local news source, The Red River Journal. In mid-February, The Coushatta Citizen Newspaper was quietly removed from publication.

A call to The Natchitoches Times confirmed that “The Red River News” would now be a section of the Natchitoches newspaper. “We are trying this for now, we hope it will work”.

According to the 2025 report, “The State of Local News” by the Medill School of Journalism, “Nearly 40% of all printed newspapers that operated 20 years ago have ceased to exist”. Declining readership and advertising are key factors in the demise.

The Library of Congress lists The Coushatta Citizen as the oldest newspaper for the town. First published on December 9, 1871, the newspaper is listed as the creation of W.H. Scanland. Also published in the area were The Coushatta Times from 1871 to 1877, and The Huey Long Red River Democrat in 1938.

The Red River Parish Library has an extensive collection of The Coushatta Citizen for perusal.

The Red River Parish Journal will continue to be your up-to-date, reliable access to your local and state news. Click JOIN to subscribe at https://redriverparishjournal.com/

Make sure to send in all of your school, church, and community happenings and news to Redriverparishjournal@gmail.com.

Advertisers and public notices are encouraged to reach out and discuss what RRPJ can offer to achieve the viewership you seek. In January, RRPJ had 93,300 views and more than 59,300 visitors.  Contact redriverparishjournal@gmail.com