In August 2007, The Herald launched a redesign of its newspaper with the intent on better highlighting local content and adding cosmetic improvements.

[6] The Sanford Herald won the North Carolina Press Association's highest honor, General Excellence, for its division for three consecutive years between 2010 and 2012.

[7] In 2012, The Sanford Herald won 17 North Carolina Press Association Awards in Division D [8] including first in: In 2011, The Sanford Herald won 30 North Carolina Press Association Awards in Division D[9] including first in In 2010, The Sanford Herald won 25 North Carolina Press Association Awards in Division D[10] including first in The Herald covers several topics, including local government (Lee County Board of Commissioners, Sanford City Council, Broadway Town Commissioners, Lee County Board of Education), state government (North Carolina General Assembly), education, arts and entertainment, religion, business and crime.

Local football coach Jody Stouffer writes a column keeping track of former high school athletes and their college sports achievements.

[3] The Herald utilizes weekly syndicated columns from writers such as George Will, Walter Williams, John Hood, Chris Fitzsimmons, D.G.