Since 1986, The Independent has been required reading for the South Coast's active & sophisticated population. The Independent reaches more than 100,000 readers in Santa Barbara County each Thursday with in-depth news reporting, the most extensive calendar of local events, and the best arts and entertainment coverage in the region.

Although we have had a website since 1998, it wasn't until April, 2007 that we began our community news, arts, and entertainment portal, independent.com. Providing a thorough and up to date site for all things Santa Barbara, independent.com immediately became the area's most visited community website. Santa Barbara has a daily news site, and a place for the community to connect.

In 2008 we were recognized as the Best Weekly Newspaper website in the United States, in a national contest sponsored by Editor & Publisher magazine. In the meantime, our online audience has grown to be the largest in Santa Barbara county, twice as large as our nearest news competitor. But don't take our word for it -- here's a link to current online traffic rating services.

Our newspaper also was singled out in 2008 as one of "10 That Do It Right,"​ of newspapers leading in innovation and adaptation, in another Editor & Publisher recognition.

The Independent was created from the merger of the Santa Barbara News & Review, a weekly paper consisting of politics and commentary founded in 1973, and The Weekly, an arts and entertainment publication with extensive listings. The merger created a unique voice for independent writers, critics, and involved citizens, and Santa Barbara go-to community resource for what-to-do.

The Santa Barbara Independent is a true community newspaper with a market penetration higher than almost every other "alternative"​ weekly in the country. Our audited circulation of 40,000 copies exceeds the daily paper and any other publication in Santa Barbara County.

News & Journalism

Santa Barbara Independent

Matt Kettmann

Camille Garcia

Tessa Reeg

Terry Ortega

Nick Welsh

Nathan Vived

Jean Yamamura

Jackson Friedman

Brandi Rivera

Don Brubaker

Xavier Pereyra

Sarah Sinclair

Tyler Hayden

The Advertising and Marketing team at Santa Barbara Independent is responsible for driving revenue through strategic ad sales and crafting comprehensive marketing campaigns. This team develops relationships with local and regional businesses to offer tailored advertising solutions across print and digital platforms, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement. Additionally, they manage promotional activities to increase the newspaper's market penetration and enhance its brand presence within the community.

Advertising and Marketing

Editorial Team

Creative and Production Team

Advertising and Marketing

About

Team members

Other teams at Santa Barbara Independent

Editorial Team

Creative and Production Team