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Stuff to close 15 community newspapers by end of July
Stuff is closing down 15 of its community newspapers in order to focus on its “digital future”.
Stuff title The Post reported the news on July 3.
The affected papers in Auckland are: North Shore Times; Western Leader; Central Leader; Manukau/Papakura Courier; East & Bay Courier. Other papers to close are: Cambridge Edition, Feilding Rangitīkei Herald, Franklin County News, Hutt News, Kapi Mana News, Nelson and Tasman Leader, Northern Outlook, South Taranaki Star, Southern Outlook.
Both the Rodney Times and North Shore Times have a long tenure, starting in 1901 and 1949 respectively.
All papers will cease printing by July 31.
“We are still working through proposals and will be able to confirm numbers once consultation is complete. However there are fewer than 15 roles overall affected by these closures,” Stuff’s masthead publishing managing director Joanna Norris tells StopPress.
She adds community newspapers that are currently well supported by local councils and businesses remain sustainable and will therefore continue printing – these are the Waikato Local and the Wairarapa Midweek.
The Post reports that the Marlborough Express, currently printed three times a week, will also be affected. It will move online, with a daily email newsletter, but still retaining its Weekend Express print edition.
Independence option
Late last year, fellow national publisher NZME announced the closure of 14 community titles. Independent owners have picked up some of these titles.
According to Shayne Currie’s Media Insider column in The New Zealand Herald, this is an option Stuff is also open to discussing.
Norris said the costs of producing community newspapers has risen significantly in the last few years, and without the support of local councils and businesses, they were unsustainable to continue producing.
However, Stuff has seen success with its digital strategy that saw it launch websites and online subscriptions for its three mastheads, The Post, The Press and The Waikato Times.
This is where the focus will remain, along with Stuff’s premium print products, says Norris, adding that the company will ensure it still has people based in the communities to continue telling local stories.
Currie also reports that in March this year, Stuff withdrew from a potential deal to sell its masthead titles to NZME. Stuff owner Sinead Boucher has reiterated there is no intention to resume these netgotiations.
