The Shelter Island Reporter was founded in 1960 by Walter C. Hewitt, a local businessman and community leader. Hewitt established the newspaper to serve the unique needs of Shelter Island, a small island community located between the North and South Forks of Long Island, New York. The idea for the Reporter came from Hewitt's desire to provide a dedicated news source for the island's residents and visitors, covering local events and issues specific to this close-knit community. Today, the Shelter Island Reporter is owned by Times Review Media Group, a local media company that acquired the newspaper in 2015 as part of its expansion in the East End of Long Island. Based on Shelter Island, New York, the Shelter Island Reporter covers a wide range of local news topics tailored to its island community. The newspaper provides comprehensive coverage of town board meetings, local politics, community events, and environmental issues affecting the island. Sports coverage focuses on local school teams and recreational activities popular among islanders. The Reporter also features articles on local businesses, real estate, and the island's rich history and culture. Additionally, it covers entertainment and lifestyle topics relevant to both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The publication maintains a strong online presence through its website, offering timely updates and interactive content to its readers. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of the Shelter Island Reporter is its role in preserving and sharing the island's oral history. The newspaper regularly features a column called “Codger,“ written by a long-time resident who shares personal anecdotes and historical tidbits about life on Shelter Island. This column has become a beloved fixture of the paper, offering readers a glimpse into the island's past and helping to maintain a sense of community continuity across generations. This commitment to local storytelling sets the Shelter Island Reporter apart as more than just a news source, but also as a keeper of the island's collective memory.