The relationship between the non-institutional free press and local communication is quite particular since this type of press shapes a unique model of local communication which proves that advertising is enough to finance a news product targeted at a fairly well-defined readership as long as this product has a good advertising sales department and effective distribution within its operating area. This paper discusses the current situation of the free press in Catalonia, where this phenomenon has been quite prominent. It points out the main features of this type of press and surveys its history, which spans from the euphoria of its early years and its expansion and consolidation to the current crisis.