April 30, 1998


The McClatchy Company
2100 Q Street
Sacramento, California  95816

Dear Sirs/Madams:

At your request, we have read the description included in your Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q to the Securities and Exchange Commission for the quarter ended
March 31, 1998, of the facts relating to the change in accounting method for
newsprint inventory from last-in, first-out (LIFO) to first-in, first-out
(FIFO).  We believe, on the basis of the facts so set forth and other
information furnished to us by appropriate officials of the Company, that the
accounting change described in your Form 10-Q is to an alternative accounting
principle that is preferable under the circumstances.

We have not audited any consolidated financial statements of The McClatchy
Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of any date or for any period
subsequent to December 31, 1997.  Therefore, we are unable to express, and we do
not express, an opinion on the facts set forth in the above-mentioned Form 10-Q,
on the related information furnished to us by officials of the Company, or on
the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of The McClatchy
Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of any date or for any period
subsequent to December 31, 1997.

Yours truly,


/s/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
     Sacramento, California