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The Star-Ledger, New Jersey’s largest daily newspaper, announced it will discontinue its print edition early next year, citing rising production costs and falling demand.
This shift is part of a broader pivot by owner Newark Morning Ledger Co. to focus on the paper’s digital presence on NJ.com, where the company hopes to reach a broader audience.
Impact on Jersey Journal and Regional Newspapers
The Montville production facility’s February 2025 closure will also halt the Jersey Journal, which has published for 157 years.
With the end of print services, the Journal, which relied on Star-Ledger facilities, cited financial strain and insufficient circulation to support continued operation.
Other publications affected include The Times of Trenton and South Jersey Times, which will also end their print editions, along with the weekly Hunterdon County Democrat.
Mel Evans/AP Photo
“A Digital Future for New Jersey News”
Steve Alessi, President of NJ Advance Media, described this decision as a “forward-looking” step that positions the company to invest in digital journalism.
He emphasized plans to reallocate resources to bolster local reporting and enhance their coverage.
Alessi noted that NJ Advance Media’s newsroom has expanded and aims to continue growing in 2025, particularly in under-served areas of the state.
Newsweek has reached out the Newark Morning Ledger Co. for comment via email.
Community News in Transition
The transition underscores the growing shift toward digital news consumption and the challenges faced by regional print media.
The Star-Ledger and other affected titles will continue publishing daily content online, ensuring local news remains accessible amid New Jersey’s evolving media landscape. Subscribers will still receive comprehensive news coverage as these publications adapt to digital-only formats.
The closure reflects broader industry trends where print circulation has plummeted, forcing many publications to rethink their operational models in a landscape increasingly dominated by online platforms. Readers are increasingly consuming news via smartphones and tablets, prompting newspapers to innovate in their content delivery methods.
In light of these changes, Star-Ledger and its affiliated publications aim to maintain journalistic integrity and community engagement. They emphasize their commitment to delivering quality news despite the transition away from print.
Andrew Burton/AP Photo
As they navigate this digital era, the potential for more interactive content and diverse reporting methods may cater to the evolving preferences of readers, ultimately enhancing the community’s access to vital news and information.
The ongoing adaptation reflects a crucial step in the evolution of journalism in New Jersey, which must now embrace the future of digital storytelling.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press