Yet another iconic newspaper is going down, turning parts of New Jersey into a newsprint desert.
The Star-Ledger of Newark, which has served readers since 1832, is switching to all-digital as it closes its print facility in Montville, New Jersey. The last issue is February 2, 2025.
The owner of The Star-Ledger blamed higher costs and lower circulation for the decision.
Also reverting to digital at that time are other titles in the NJ Advance Media network, including the Times of Trenton, South Jersey Times and the weekly Hunterdon County Democrat. And the Jersey Journal is going out of business entirely.
"Today's announcement represents the next step into the digital future of journalism in New Jersey," NJ Advance Media President Steve Alessi said, according to an NJ.com article. "It's important to emphasize that this is a forward-looking decision that allows us to invest more deeply than ever in our journalism and in serving our communities."
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That’s one way of looking at it. But readers who kept up with The Star-Ledger in print will miss it. So will the employees facing layoffs.
The Star-Ledger was a tough newspaper that often competed for scoops with the bigger papers in nearby New York City. Over the years, it covered strikes, tense political races, culture and the growing gentrification of the city.
Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, is a complex town that even has its own small subway system. It demands serious coverage.
Well, you can’t blame this on Gannett or Alden Global Capital or any of the other large newspaper publishers. This is strictly a local affair.
We plan to keep up with The Star-Ledger online.