Founded in 1947 by Charles and Lessie Smithgall, The Gainesville Times began as a small local newspaper serving the Gainesville, Georgia area. The Smithgalls saw an opportunity to provide comprehensive local news coverage to their growing community. Over the years, the paper has changed hands but remained committed to its local roots. Today, it is owned by Metro Market Media, a company that operates several local news outlets in Georgia. The Gainesville Times primarily covers local news, sports, business, and community events in Gainesville and Hall County, Georgia. Their reporting includes coverage of local government, education, crime, and human interest stories. Based in Gainesville, the newspaper has become an integral part of the community, providing both print and digital content to keep residents informed about local happenings. One interesting fact: Despite being a relatively small local newspaper, The Gainesville Times has won numerous Georgia Press Association awards for its journalism, demonstrating its commitment to quality reporting even in a smaller market.