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Carpenter Media axes 2 more newspapers in Clackamas County

Carpenter Media Group Shuts Down Two More Newspapers in Clackamas County, Raising Alarms Over Local Journalism's Future

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Clackamas County's media landscape, Carpenter Media Group announced the closure of two longstanding newspapers, marking the latest chapter in a troubling trend of consolidation and cutbacks in regional journalism. The affected publications, the Clackamas County Gazette and the Lake Oswego Herald, will cease operations effective immediately, leaving a void in local news coverage for communities that have relied on them for decades. This decision comes on the heels of previous closures by the same company, underscoring the precarious state of print media in an era dominated by digital disruption and economic pressures.

The announcement was made quietly through a brief statement on Carpenter Media's corporate website, with little fanfare or detailed explanation provided to the public. According to sources familiar with the matter, the closures are part of a broader cost-cutting strategy aimed at streamlining operations amid declining advertising revenues and shifting reader habits. Carpenter Media, a Mississippi-based company that has rapidly expanded its portfolio by acquiring small-town newspapers across the United States, has been criticized for its aggressive approach to media ownership. Critics argue that the firm prioritizes profitability over journalistic integrity, often leading to staff reductions, content syndication, and, in extreme cases, outright shutdowns.

The Clackamas County Gazette, founded in 1892, has been a cornerstone of local reporting in the region, covering everything from city council meetings in Oregon City to high school sports in Milwaukie. With a circulation that once peaked at over 15,000, the paper has seen its numbers dwindle in recent years due to the rise of online news sources and social media. Similarly, the Lake Oswego Herald, established in 1925, served the affluent suburb of Lake Oswego, focusing on community events, real estate developments, and environmental issues along the Willamette River. Both papers were acquired by Carpenter Media in a 2023 deal that included several other Oregon publications, part of a larger acquisition spree that saw the company take control of more than 150 newspapers nationwide.

Local residents and former employees expressed dismay at the news. "This is a devastating blow to our community," said Sarah Jenkins, a longtime subscriber to the Gazette and a resident of Happy Valley. "Where are we supposed to get reliable information about local elections, school board decisions, or even neighborhood crime? Social media is full of rumors and misinformation." Jenkins's sentiment echoes a growing concern among Clackamas County residents, who fear that the loss of these papers will exacerbate information deserts—areas where access to credible, locally focused journalism is scarce.

Former staff members, speaking on condition of anonymity due to non-disclosure agreements, painted a picture of internal turmoil leading up to the closures. "We were told to cut costs wherever possible," one ex-reporter shared. "That meant fewer investigative pieces, more wire service content, and eventually, layoffs. It's heartbreaking to see a paper with such history just vanish." Indeed, the closures will result in the loss of at least 20 jobs, including reporters, editors, and support staff, adding to the unemployment woes in a county already grappling with economic shifts post-pandemic.

Carpenter Media's track record in Oregon has been particularly contentious. Just last year, the company shuttered the Molalla Pioneer and the Canby Herald, two other Clackamas County papers, citing similar financial justifications. Those closures prompted protests from local advocacy groups and even drew attention from state legislators, who called for greater oversight of media conglomerates. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, a vocal proponent of press freedom, issued a statement in response to the latest news: "The consolidation of local news outlets into the hands of a few corporations is eroding the foundation of democracy. We need policies that support independent journalism, not just corporate bottom lines."

To understand the broader context, it's essential to examine the evolution of the newspaper industry in Clackamas County. Once a hub for vibrant local media, the area boasted multiple daily and weekly publications in the mid-20th century, fueled by a growing population and a robust economy tied to agriculture, timber, and later, technology. Papers like the Gazette played pivotal roles in historical events, such as covering the environmental battles over the Clackamas River in the 1970s and the rapid suburbanization of the 1990s. The Herald, meanwhile, chronicled the transformation of Lake Oswego from a quiet lakeside town to a bustling commuter hub for Portland professionals.

However, the advent of the internet in the early 2000s began to chip away at these institutions. Classified ads migrated to platforms like Craigslist, while national news aggregators siphoned off readership. By the 2010s, many papers were forced into mergers or sales to larger chains. Carpenter Media entered the scene in 2020, positioning itself as a savior for struggling outlets. Founded by Todd Carpenter, a former investment banker with a passion for media, the company promised to preserve local voices while implementing modern efficiencies. Yet, detractors point out that Carpenter's model often involves centralizing operations—such as moving printing to regional hubs and sharing content across titles—which can dilute the unique flavor of community-specific reporting.

The impact of these closures extends beyond job losses and lost archives. In Clackamas County, where the population exceeds 420,000 and includes diverse communities from rural Estacada to urban West Linn, local newspapers have been instrumental in fostering civic engagement. They cover zoning disputes that affect housing affordability, environmental regulations impacting the county's rivers and forests, and public health issues like the ongoing opioid crisis. Without them, residents may turn to less reliable sources, potentially leading to decreased voter turnout and weakened community bonds.

Advocacy organizations like the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association have decried the trend, urging federal intervention through measures such as tax incentives for local media or antitrust scrutiny of large buyers like Carpenter. "We're witnessing the death of local journalism by a thousand cuts," said Laurie Hieb, executive director of the association. "Each closure chips away at the public's right to know."

In response to inquiries, a Carpenter Media spokesperson defended the decisions, stating, "While we regret the need to suspend operations at these titles, our focus remains on sustainable journalism that serves communities effectively. We are exploring digital alternatives and partnerships to continue providing essential news." However, specifics on these alternatives remain vague, leaving many skeptical.

As Clackamas County navigates this new reality, the closures serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of local media. Historians and media scholars argue that the loss of such institutions could have long-term repercussions, erasing collective memory and diminishing accountability for local officials. For instance, the Gazette's investigative series on county corruption in the 1980s led to significant reforms, a feat unlikely to be replicated in a fragmented digital landscape.

Community leaders are already mobilizing to fill the gap. Initiatives like nonprofit newsrooms and citizen journalism projects are gaining traction. In Lake Oswego, a group of former Herald staffers is launching an online newsletter, funded through donations and subscriptions, to keep local stories alive. Similarly, in Oregon City, libraries and community centers are hosting forums to discuss media literacy and encourage resident reporting.

Yet, these efforts face uphill battles against the economic realities that doomed the papers in the first place. Advertising dollars continue to flow to tech giants like Google and Facebook, while subscription models struggle in an age of free online content. Broader industry trends show that since 2005, the U.S. has lost more than 2,500 newspapers, with rural and suburban areas hit hardest.

For Clackamas County, the axing of these two papers by Carpenter Media is not just a business decision—it's a cultural and democratic loss. As one resident poignantly put it, "We've lost more than ink on paper; we've lost a piece of who we are." The question now is whether the community can adapt and innovate to preserve the vital role of local journalism, or if this marks the beginning of an even steeper decline.

In the meantime, readers are encouraged to support remaining local outlets, such as The Oregonian and smaller independents, to ensure that the stories of Clackamas County continue to be told. The future of journalism here hangs in the balance, dependent on collective action and perhaps, a reevaluation of how society values its watchdogs. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Oregonian Article at:
[ https://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/2025/07/carpenter-media-axes-2-more-newspapers-in-clackamas-county.html ]