The Missoula Independent is a free weekly alternative newspaper in Missoula, Montana, United States. It was acquired by Lee Enterprises, owner of the daily Missoulian, in 2017. The Missoula Independent is the largest weekly newspaper in Montana. It is published on every Thursday, and is delivered throughout western Montana. As of a 2012 audit, it had a circulation of 19,000 and is distributed from 500 locations.