Stars and Stripes
Stars and Stripes is a DoD-authorized military news publication serving U.S. service members, veterans, and families worldwide, distributing editorial content via a digital platform, regional editions, mobile apps, ePaper, newsletters, and podcasts, funded primarily through Department of Defense appropriations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1861
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Stars and Stripes does
Stars and Stripes is a U.S. military news publication with roots tracing to 1861, currently operating as an online platform that delivers independent news and information to the U.S. military community. The publication is authorized by the Department of Defense and operates under the Defense Media Activity, funded primarily through DoD appropriated funds with supplementary commercial revenue. Its core product is the stripes.com digital news platform, supported by regional sub-brands (Stripes Europe, Stripes Japan, Stripes Korea, Stripes Okinawa, Stripes Guam, Stripes Pacific, Stripes Lite), native iOS and Android mobile applications, an ePaper digital edition, daily email newsletters, and a podcast portfolio (WW II Podcast, Military Matters, Force for Hire, Out of Uniform). Supporting services include a Veterans Jobs Center, obituary listings, a printshop, archive access, and a 24/7 Veterans Military Crisis Line.
The business model is hybrid: government appropriation funds distribution to remote and isolated overseas military locations via official DoD channels, while commercial revenue is generated through digital subscriptions (pricing starts at 99 cents per week), ePaper access, home delivery of physical newspapers, email newsletter subscriptions, and advertising from military-related businesses. The technology stack is a web-based digital news platform with mobile applications and email delivery infrastructure; the company does not develop proprietary AI or technology but consumes third-party services such as Trinity Audio for AI-generated audio briefings. The editorial operation is structured around military theaters (U.S., Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, Americas) and service branches (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force).
Stars and Stripes has historically maintained editorial independence through a congressionally mandated ombudsman position established in 1991. In 2026, the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth imposed significant editorial restrictions, including bans on commercial wire content (e.g., Associated Press), required alignment with 'good order and discipline,' and the April 2026 termination of ombudsman Jacqueline Smith — developments that materially reshape the publication's operating posture and core value proposition.
Stars and Stripes firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Stars and Stripes
- Legal name
- Stars and Stripes
- Website
- https://stripes.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1861
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Stars and Stripes is a DoD-authorized military news publication serving U.S. service members, veterans, and families worldwide, distributing editorial content via a digital platform, regional editions, mobile apps, ePaper, newsletters, and podcasts, funded primarily through Department of Defense appropriations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Stars and Stripes industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Military News Publication
- NAICS
- Publishing Industries (513)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)
- akta.pro primary industry
- International News & Current Affairs Broadcasters (MPABAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- International Public Diplomacy/External Service Broadcasters (MPABAEAK)
Keywords
Where Stars and Stripes is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Stars and Stripes business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Subscription Revenue: The publication generates revenue through digital subscriptions, ePaper access, home delivery services, and email newsletter subscriptions. A subscription offer of 99 cents per week was mentioned on the website.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Weekly | Weekly digital subscription |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels7 records
Stars and Stripes product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Stars and Stripes is a Department of Defense-authorized military news publication that delivers independent journalism to U.S. service members, veterans, and military families worldwide. It distributes content through a flagship website (stripes.com), regional editions for overseas theaters (Europe, Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Guam), ePaper, iOS/Android mobile apps, email newsletters, podcasts, video, home-delivery print subscriptions, and digital subscriptions starting at 99 cents per week. The publication is funded through DoD appropriated funds for distribution to remote and isolated overseas locations while also generating revenue from subscriptions and advertising.
Product overview
Stars and Stripes is a unified military news publication platform serving U.S. service members, veterans, and their families worldwide. The core offering is the Stars and Stripes newspaper and website (starsandstripes.com), which provides comprehensive military news coverage across multiple channels. The product portfolio includes regional editions (Stripes Europe, Stripes Japan, Stripes Korea, Stripes Okinawa, Stripes Guam), digital delivery options (ePaper, Mobile Apps, Email Newsletters, Digital Access), multimedia content (Podcasts, Videos), and subscription services (Home Delivery, Digital Access). Supporting services include Veterans Jobs Center, Storm Tracker, Archive Services, Printshop, Opinion Section, and the Veterans Military Crisis Line. The publication maintains regional community sites and special publications tailored to specific military installations and theaters of operation.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Stars and Stripes Briefings: Audio news briefings powered by Trinity Audio AI
- ePaper
- Stripes Lite
- Stripes Europe
- Stripes Pacific
Products and services
- Stars and Stripes The primary military news publication serving U.S. service members and their families worldwide, providing coverage of military news, veterans affairs, theater operations, branch-specific content, sports, opinion, and history.
- Stripes Europe Regional edition serving the European theater with local news, travel guides, and community content for U.S. military installations in Europe.
- Stripes Japan Regional edition covering Japan with local news, travel features, food reviews, and community content for U.S. military installations in Japan.
- Stripes Korea Regional edition serving military communities in Korea with local news and entertainment content.
- Stripes Okinawa Regional edition focused on Okinawa and surrounding areas with local military community coverage.
- Stripes Guam Regional edition serving the Guam military community.
- Stripes Lite A lightweight version of the Stars and Stripes website designed for faster loading and simpler navigation on mobile devices.
- ePaper Digital newspaper edition available for download on desktop and mobile, including main edition, contingency edition, Sunday comics, and special publications.
- Mobile Applications Native mobile apps for iOS and Android devices providing access to Stars and Stripes content on the go (Apple ID 479396575, Google Play package com.stripes.mobi).
- Email Newsletters Daily email newsletters delivering top military news stories and content from various outlets to subscribers.
- Digital Access Subscription Premium digital subscription offering unlimited access to Stars and Stripes online content at 99 cents per week.
- Home Delivery Subscription Physical newspaper home delivery service for subscribers.
- Podcasts Audio programming including WW II Podcast, Military Matters, Force for Hire, and Out of Uniform covering military history and current affairs.
- Video Content Video news coverage and multimedia content including military news, historical footage, and special reports.
- Veterans Jobs Center Employment resources and job listings specifically for veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
- Veterans Military Crisis Line 24/7 confidential crisis support hotline for Veterans, service members, and their families providing connection to mental health resources.
- Special Publications Special edition publications including Best of Pacific, Welcome to Pacific, Best of Germany, Transition Guide, and What's Up guides.
- Printshop Custom printing services for Stars and Stripes materials.
- Archive/Library Services Historical archive access and library services for past Stars and Stripes content.
Companies that use Stars and Stripes
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Stars and Stripes technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Stars and Stripes partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Stars and Stripes competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
Stars and Stripes social profiles
Digital presenceStars and Stripes financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Stars and Stripes leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Stars and Stripes subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
Stars and Stripes funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Stars and Stripes M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Stars and Stripes
What does Stars and Stripes do?
Stars and Stripes is a Department of Defense-authorized military news publication that delivers independent journalism to U.S. service members, veterans, and military families worldwide. It distributes content through a flagship website (stripes.com), regional editions for overseas theaters (Europe, Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Guam), ePaper, iOS/Android mobile apps, email newsletters, podcasts, video, home-delivery print subscriptions, and digital subscriptions starting at 99 cents per week. The publication is funded through DoD appropriated funds for distribution to remote and isolated overseas locations while also generating revenue from subscriptions and advertising.
Is Stars and Stripes a public or private company?
Stars and Stripes is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Stars and Stripes founded?
Stars and Stripes was founded in 1861. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Stars and Stripes based?
Stars and Stripes is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does Stars and Stripes make money?
One revenue line is on record: subscription Revenue.
Does Stars and Stripes have an API?
No public API is recorded for Stars and Stripes.
What industry is Stars and Stripes in?
Stars and Stripes's product category is Military News Publication. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABAEAD, International News & Current Affairs Broadcasters, with a secondary code of MPABAEAK, International Public Diplomacy/External Service Broadcasters. Its NAICS code is 513 and its SIC code is 2741.