Star-Ledger to Cease Print, Transition Online Amid Decline in Demand for Daily Newspapers
Newark Morning Ledger Co. to End Daily Print of the Star-Ledger, Shift Focus to Digital
The Newark Morning Ledger Co., owner of New Jersey’s largest newspaper, announced it will stop the daily print edition of the Star-Ledger early next year. This move, driven by rising production costs, dwindling circulation, and reduced demand for print, reflects a broader trend affecting several New Jersey newspapers. The Times of Trenton and South Jersey Times are also set to end their print publications soon, while the Jersey Journal is expected to cease operations entirely, marking a notable change for the local community.
This decision underscores a significant shift in the U.S. media landscape, with profound effects across New Jersey. The closure of the Star-Ledger’s Montville production facility in February 2025 will end the Jersey Journal’s print presence after 157 years. The Jersey City-based publication had relied on the Star-Ledger’s production resources, which were essential given the Journal’s small circulation and dependence on newsstand sales. “We fought as hard as we can for as long as we could,” said Jersey Journal editor and publisher David Blomquist. “An online-only publication simply would not have enough scale to support the strong, politically independent journalism that has distinguished the Journal.”
Media Landscape in Flux as Economic Challenges Mount
The digital shift comes amid financial strain for major news outlets, including the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times, which recently faced subscriber losses. Both papers saw significant declines in readership after their owners opted to remain neutral in presidential candidate endorsements, a decision that spurred a wave of cancellations. Across the industry, U.S. media outlets are grappling with a challenging advertising climate, leading to layoffs and closures that have disproportionately impacted local journalism. According to a Northwestern University study, the closure rate of local newspapers accelerated last year, with an average of 2.5 newspapers shutting down each week in 2023.
While digital news platforms have emerged to fill gaps, closures continue to keep pace with new ventures, posing challenges to sustainable journalism in underserved communities. The Star-Ledger’s transition to digital-only coverage exemplifies this paradox, as digital publications increasingly aim to replace print outlets but still face similar financial hurdles.
N.J. Advance Media Aims for a “Digital Future” with Reinforced Newsroom
Steve Alessi, president of N.J. Advance Media, emphasized that shifting to online-only is a proactive decision aimed at reinforcing local journalism. “Today’s announcement represents the next step into the digital future of journalism in New Jersey,” Alessi stated. He noted that ceasing print publications allows N.J. Advance Media to reallocate resources toward expanding its core newsroom. The organization has added more reporters compared to the previous year and plans to continue growing in 2025 to address coverage gaps across the state, underscoring its commitment to quality journalism.
In addition to the Star-Ledger, the final print editions of the Times of Trenton, South Jersey Times, and the weekly Hunterdon County Democrat will be published in late January and early February. Going forward, Star-Ledger subscribers will have access to digital content on NJ.com, the newspaper’s online hub. Alessi expressed that this shift is intended to deepen N.J. Advance Media’s investment in quality journalism and enhance coverage in underserved communities throughout New Jersey.
As New Jersey’s journalism landscape undergoes this significant transformation, the focus on digital platforms may redefine the future of local reporting in the state. This shift presents opportunities for innovation and growth in journalism, potentially setting a model for other regions facing similar challenges.