Il Tirreno is the leading newspaper in western Tuscany. It was first published on April 29, 1877, titled "Telegrafo", then changed into Tirreno at the end of the second world war, under the direction of Athos Gastone Banti. The most difcult moment in its history was in middle '70s: as the publisher decided to close the business, the editorial staff reacted organizing a cooperative and self-management, giving back new vitality to the newspaper until Gruppo L'espresso acquired it. Local editions of Il Tirreno are published in Livorno/Cecina, ed. Grosseto, ed. Lucca, ed. Massa, ed. Piombino, ed. Pisa/Pontedera, ed. Viareggio, ed. Prato/Pistoia/Montecatini/Empoli. The newspaper also informs about national and international news, with high quality content and reports. Tirreno approval reaches the 34% of the population living in Tuscany that state to read local press.