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Atlanta Journal-Constitution to end print edition

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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Ends Its Print Edition After 174 Years

In a move that echoes a larger trend sweeping the U.S. newspaper industry, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) announced that its long‑running print edition would cease publication after June 16, 2023. The decision marks the end of a 174‑year print tradition that began in 1842 and ends a chapter in which the paper had been a staple of the South’s media landscape. While the AJC will continue to publish its news digitally, the shift underscores the growing pressure on legacy newspapers to adapt to the digital age.


Why the Print Edition is Shutting Down

The AJC’s board cited a combination of factors that had eroded the viability of a daily print operation. Declining circulation—dropping from a peak of 260,000 copies per day in the 1990s to roughly 30,000 by 2022—meant revenue from newsstand sales and subscriptions had become a small fraction of the paper’s income. In addition, the cost of printing and distribution, which includes the purchase of paper, ink, and the logistics of delivering to millions of households, has surged over the past decade.

The COVID‑19 pandemic accelerated this trend, forcing many households to stay home, thereby reducing in‑person newspaper purchases. The AJC’s own financial statements revealed that while the paper’s digital revenue had grown, it had not yet offset the losses incurred by the print operation. According to a brief statement issued by the paper, the decision was also driven by a broader strategy to re‑allocate resources toward a “future‑proof” digital platform that could reach the AJC’s broad readership through newsletters, mobile apps, podcasts, and other multimedia formats.


The Final Print Edition

The last printed copy of the AJC, dated June 16, featured a solemn editorial that thanked readers for 174 years of support. The paper highlighted the historical moments it had covered—from the Civil War to the civil‑rights movement to the election of Atlanta’s first African‑American mayor. The final issue was printed in the familiar yellow‑brick layout that many long‑time readers remembered, complete with the iconic “A” logo.

At the bottom of the final page, the AJC included a call to action for its readers: “While our print pages are closing, our mission to inform and engage the community continues. Subscribe to our digital newsletters, follow us on social media, or explore our podcasts for the latest news.” The paper also provided a QR code that linked to its digital archives, allowing readers to revisit past stories and special editions.


A Look at the AJC’s Digital Future

The AJC’s chief executive officer, John E. Anderson, outlined a multi‑pronged strategy for the paper’s digital future. The strategy includes:

  1. Digital-Only Newsletters: The AJC will launch a series of weekly newsletters focusing on topics like local politics, business, sports, and culture. Each newsletter will be tailored to niche audiences, ensuring that readers receive the stories most relevant to them.

  2. Podcast Expansion: Building on its existing podcasts—such as “AJC on the Move,” a traffic‑focused show—the paper plans to add new podcasts on investigative journalism and regional culture. These podcasts will be monetized through sponsorships and listener subscriptions.

  3. Mobile App Revamp: A redesigned app will incorporate AI‑driven personalized content curation, interactive maps for crime reporting, and a “live‑blog” feature for breaking news.

  4. Digital Subscription Packages: The AJC will introduce tiered subscription models, including a free “Basic” tier that offers limited articles and a premium “Full Access” tier that provides unlimited digital content, ad‑free browsing, and exclusive newsletters.

In a statement, Anderson stressed that the paper’s “digital infrastructure is now the backbone of how we reach, serve, and build relationships with our community.” He also indicated that the shift would allow the AJC to invest in investigative journalism, community outreach, and digital innovation, areas that were previously constrained by print production costs.


Reactions from the Community and Industry

The decision to end the print edition drew mixed reactions. Many long‑time readers expressed nostalgia and concern about losing a tactile connection to their local news. A former editor, Mary Thompson, recalled, “The paper’s physical presence was part of our civic identity. When the front page is on your breakfast table, you feel more engaged.”

Conversely, younger readers and journalists applauded the move as a necessary evolution. A journalist from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s online team noted that “the future of journalism is about speed, interactivity, and meeting people where they are—on their phones, computers, and earbuds.”

Industry analysts highlighted that the AJC’s decision was part of a broader wave of print cancellations. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, the U.S. newspaper industry has seen the daily circulation of the New York Times, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times decline by over 60% in the last decade. Many of these papers are now either moving to a digital‑first strategy or ceasing print entirely.


What This Means for Readers

For most subscribers, the transition will be seamless. Existing print subscriptions will automatically convert to digital access, with the option to opt for the “Full Access” subscription if they desire additional features. The AJC will also provide a special discount for long‑time print subscribers, acknowledging their loyalty.

Readers who prefer the tactile experience of a physical newspaper may still purchase AJC content through digital platforms such as the Apple News+ app, which offers a subscription that includes access to the AJC’s digital archive. AJC will also continue to publish special editions—such as weekend supplements and annual guides—through its digital storefront.


Final Thoughts

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s decision to end its print edition is both an end and a new beginning. While it marks the closure of a historic chapter, it also signals the paper’s commitment to adapt to the realities of a digital‑first media environment. Whether the AJC’s digital strategy can maintain the community connection it has fostered for nearly two centuries remains to be seen, but the paper’s move reflects an industry‑wide acknowledgment that the future of journalism hinges on innovation, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change.


Read the Full WSB-TV Article at:
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