The Chicago Reader is Chicago's largest free weekly newspaper nationally recognized as a leader in the alternative press. Since 1971 the Reader has served as Chicago's political conscience cultural guide and music authority. With a highly targeted-circulation of 90 000 and a consistent return rate of less than 2% the Chicago Reader is the city's most essential alternative media resource. Known for its in-depth coverage of Chicago politics and culture the Reader explores and exposes news events and issues that affect city living. The paper has won numerous journalistic awards and honors both local and national and is well-known as a showcase for Chicago's most talented writers critics photographers and illustrators. With a readership of 450 000 and some of the industry's lowest advertising rates the Chicago Reader is one of the largest and most successful alternative weeklies in the country.