the419

Specialties

the419 is a community newspaper covering Lima and Allen County, Ohio. We deliver our printed edition weekly, and update our website daily. the419 staff includes multiple award winning reporters, designers, photographers and media professionals. Our product includes a 40-​page, full-​color printed edition on 50-​pound bright white newsprint. the419 is unique in that we offer a wide range of entertaining features not found in other local media. We share the best of our community, from our evolving downtown to must-​see shows and exhibitions, to city development, to the entrepreneurs and leaders shaping the future of our community. We are locally owned, locally operated, community focused. the419.

History

Established in 2014.

the419 was founded in 2014 by CEO & Publisher Stephen C. Johnson.

Meet the Business Owner

Stephen J.

Business Owner

Steve Johnson has an extensive background in the newspaper industry & is recognized as an industry expert in circulation marketing & strategic planning. At the launch of USA Today, Johnson was named Director of National Sales & was responsible for the first 20 launch markets. He then returned to his native CA as Circ. Dir. for the San Bernardino Sun. He joined the LA Times in ’89 as Asst. Circ. Dir. for Marketing, a position he held through ’95, when he was recruited to become the VP of Cir & Strat Planning in North America for Thomson Newspapers. Johnson was later promoted to Pres & CEO of the Penn-​Ohio Strategic Marketing Group. He was recruited to return to CA as VP of Circulation for the SF Newspaper Agency & SF Chronicle. Johnson moved to Lima in ’03 & served as Publisher of the Lima News for 5 years. It was during retirement that Johnson saw a need for a new community news source in Lima, leading him to create the419. the419 is locally owned, locally operated, community focused.