Observer to reduce print newspaper to 3 days a week
News organization will deliver newspaper by U.S. mail on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays; a 'bold step' toward embracing digital, editor says
The following article appeared in the July 12, 2024, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Reductions in printed newspaper will help The Observer ‘transform its business to thrive,’ editor says; no mention of price reductions or job cuts
by Tony Mecia
The Charlotte Observer plans to scale back its print newspaper to three days a week, down from the current six days a week, its editor said in a note to readers on Friday — a move she described as a “bold step forward” for the publication.
Editor Rana Cash wrote that the reduction in the printed newspaper will allow The Observer to transition to a “digital-forward newsroom that meets the expectations and demands of today’s news consumers.”
“In an age in which print has become cost-prohibitive and is limited by early deadlines, The Observer must transform its business to thrive in 2024 and beyond, while continuing to prioritize essential and distinctive content,” Cash wrote.
She added that beginning Sept. 16, the paper will arrive by U.S. mail on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
‘Seismic’ move, ‘broken’ tradition: In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning, former Greensboro News & Record editor John Robinson called the news of the cutback “seismic for NC papers” and wondered if others would follow. Former Observer columnist Tommy Tomlinson wrote: “Inevitable, and probably should’ve happened sooner, but still … a long tradition, broken.”
In recent years, The Observer has been de-emphasizing its print edition, as readers increasingly migrate to digital options. The shift has meant that the printed newspaper, which was long considered to be a wrap-up of the previous day’s top stories, has been increasingly unable to include developing news from the previous day. For instance, the April 29 killing of four law enforcement officers in east Charlotte, which happened on a Monday afternoon, was not included in that Tuesday’s printed newspaper because of deadlines that are now as early as 2 p.m. the previous day.
The Charlotte Observer is owned by Sacramento, Calif.-based McClatchy Co., which filed for and emerged from bankruptcy protection in 2020. McClatchy is owned by New Jersey-based hedge fund Chatham Asset Management.
Friday’s announcement is the latest in a long line of cutbacks at what has traditionally been Charlotte’s largest and most influential media outlet — although the reductions are typically described as enhancements. The size of The Observer’s newsroom has dropped by 80% in the last 15 years, to fewer than 40 journalists. It reduced its print newspaper to six days a week, down from seven days, in 2019.
At the same time, the media outlet says it has enhanced its online delivery of news. Last month, it unveiled a digital reader called “Edition.”
No mention of refunds, job cuts: Cash’s announcement on Friday did not address if The Observer plans to reduce its price or offer refunds to print customers. The paper’s terms of service say: “We reserve the right to substitute the delivery and format of your print subscription with an eEdition at any time.” It also did not address any potential job cuts, such as those to delivery drivers or others involved in print circulation, in connection with the move.
In her note, Cash praised the work of the outlet’s journalists, citing the “breadth and depth” of the outlet’s work in areas such as the arts, sports and local politics.
“These changes are necessary for sustainability,” Cash wrote. “The Charlotte Observer has been and will continue to be here. With these changes, we are stronger today and positioned to remain so because we’ve adapted to the habits of our readers.”
Related Ledger articles:
“The future of Charlotte media is digital and niche” (Nov. 15, 2019)
“Observer tops list of most-complained-about Charlotte businesses” (May 23, 2022)
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman