The owner of New Jersey’s largest newspaper has announced that it will discontinue the daily print edition early next year, while the digital platform will remain operational.
The Newark Morning Ledger Co. revealed its decision on Wednesday, attributing it to escalating costs, a decline in circulation, and reduced interest in print copies of the Star-Ledger. Additionally, the company plans to close its Montville production plant in February 2025, coinciding with the end of the newspaper’s print version.
As a result of this closure, another daily publication, The Jersey Journal, will cease its operations on February 1, ending a 157-year run. Based in Jersey City and owned by the Evening Journal Association, The Jersey Journal had outsourced its printing to The Star-Ledger several years ago. Following the announcement, Journal officials stated that the newspaper could not sustain itself after the production facility’s shutdown, as it would face higher costs with a new printer while maintaining a small circulation largely reliant on newsstand sales.
David Blomquist, editor and publisher of The Journal, expressed disappointment, stating, “We fought as hard as we can for as long as we could. An online-only publication simply would not have enough scale to support the strong, politically independent journalism that has distinguished The Journal.”
In a connected development, Advance Local, the parent company of NJ Advance Media and NJ.com—where the Star-Ledger’s online presence is housed—also announced the termination of print editions for two daily newspapers: The Times of Trenton and the South Jersey Times, along with the weekly Hunterdon County Democrat. Both daily papers will continue their online operations going forward.
The last print editions of the Star-Ledger, Times of Trenton, and South Jersey Times will be released on February 2, while the final weekly print version of the Hunterdon County Democrat will be available on January 30. Subscribers to the Democrat will gain online access to The Star-Ledger.
Steve Alessi, President of NJ Advance Media, remarked, “Today’s announcement marks a significant stride into the digital era of journalism in New Jersey. It’s crucial to highlight that this is a proactive decision that enables us to invest more profoundly in our journalism and better serve our communities.”
Alessi emphasized that halting print publication allows NJ Advance Media to reallocate resources to enhance its primary newsroom. According to him, the newsroom has increased its reporting staff compared to last year and intends to expand further in 2025, focusing on improving coverage in areas of the state that have previously been overlooked.