Founded before the turn of the century, The Echo Press is the only in-depth news source in Douglas County, which also publishes a total market coverage shopper.

The Echo press is published twice weekly on Wednesday and Friday with a circulation of nearly 10,000. The Lakeland Shopping Guide published each week has a circulation of nearly 27,000. Every year the Echo Press produces several summer publications for residents and vacationers.

The Echo Press continues to be recognized as an award-winning newspaper receiving the NNA Weekly Division Best Newspaper Website in 1998 and 2001 as well as awards for photography, web site design and editorials. The paper has also received awards from the Minnesota Newspaper Association for Best Investigative Reporting and the Herman Roe Award. The newspaper was named best weekly newspaper by MNA in 2002 & 2004.

Alexandria is the county seat of Douglas County with a population of over 11,000, 35,000 when the lakes area is included. Each summer the population triples as the area is considered a prime vacation destination with beaches, many lakes, great fishing and antique shops. Alexandria also boasts one of the top technical colleges in the state.