Bee Group Newspapers
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Newspaper publishing |
| Founded | 1877 |
| Headquarters | Williamsville, New York , United States |
Area served | Erie County, New York |
| Products | Suburban newspapers including Lancaster Bee, Amherst Bee, Depew Bee, Clarence Bee, Ken-Ton Bee, Cheektowaga Bee, West Seneca Bee, Orchard Park Bee, East Aurora Bee |
| Owner | Sample News Group (since November 2024) |
| Website | www |
Bee Group Newspapers comprises a collection of suburban newspapers distributed throughout Western New York by Bee Publishing, Incorporated, headquartered in Williamsville. Established in 1877 with the launch of the Lancaster Bee, this network caters to communities within Erie County, New York, emphasizing coverage of local municipalities, villages, and school districts. The combined weekly circulation reaches 175,672 readers. Each publication delivers news on municipal affairs, distinguished classified advertisements, and seasonal special sections. Bee Group Newspapers hold memberships in both the New York Press Association and the National Newspaper Association. Copies are accessible at neighborhood newsstands and are also delivered weekly to subscribers.
In November 2024, ownership of Bee Group Newspapers transitioned from the Measer family to Sample News Group.
Lancaster Bee
The Lancaster Bee serves the community of Lancaster. It was originally established as the Lancaster Star on February 8, 1878, by Paul Bussmaan and William B. Fuller. Fuller soon took sole control but ceased publication after one year. Subsequently, on May 26, 1880, E. R. Vaughn and P.J. Gaudy introduced the Lancaster Times. In 1885, Adam L. Rinewalt, who also published the Amherst Bee, acquired this paper before selling it later that year to Marvin L. Reist. Reist managed publication until 1907 when W. C. Naylor from Olean, New York purchased it.
Amherst Bee
The Amherst Bee, founded in 1879 in Williamsville, New York by Adam Lorenzo Rinewalt (1849–1902), who remained editor until shortly before his passing, stands as the principal newspaper within Bee Group Newspapers. Issued weekly on Thursdays, it is freely available at more than 150 locations throughout Amherst, New York. The publication celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2004.
Depew Bee
Established in 1893 to serve Depew, the Depew Bee is released every Thursday.
Clarence Bee
Publishing weekly on Thursdays since 1937, the Clarence Bee covers news for Clarence.
Ken-Ton Bee
Founded in 1982, the Ken-Ton Bee reports on events in Kenmore and the town of Tonawanda, New York, with editions published each Thursday.
Cheektowaga Bee
Serving the community of Cheektowaga, the Cheektowaga Bee was established in 1977.
Other publications
The West Seneca Bee, launched in 1980, provides coverage for West Seneca and is published on Thursdays.
Founded in 1986, the Orchard Park Bee focuses on news from Orchard Park with weekly issues.
The East Aurora Bee, which has served both East Aurora and Elma since 1987, is issued every Thursday.