On October 30, The Jersey Journal and The Star-Ledger announced they would cease print publications in early 2025, marking a significant shift for New Jersey’s news industry. The Jersey Journal, a staple in Hudson County since 1867, will publish its final print edition on February 1, while The Star-Ledger and several other affiliated newspapers will halt print production on February 2. The decisions stem from the rising costs of print operations and a marked decline in demand for physical newspapers.
David Blomquist, editor and publisher of The Jersey Journal, acknowledged the difficulties of transitioning entirely to digital, saying, “We fought as hard as we can for as long as we could.” The move follows the planned closure of The Star-Ledger’s Montville production facility, which currently prints both papers. Blomquist explained that an online-only model would not sustain the Journal’s mission of “strong, politically independent journalism” at the scale needed for its community.
Steve Alessi, President of NJ Advance Media, which manages The Star-Ledger, framed the decision as a forward-looking step that would allow for deeper investment in digital journalism. “It’s important to emphasize that this is a forward-looking decision that allows us to invest more deeply than ever in our journalism and in serving our communities,” Alessi stated, highlighting NJ Advance Media’s digital presence on platforms like NJ.com and emphasizing ongoing growth in digital readership.
While both organizations will end print circulation, they remain committed to covering local news through digital outlets. The Jersey Journal’s final closure also reflects broader industry trends where print newspapers struggle with shrinking readership and higher operational costs. The shift from print to digital has been accompanied by new challenges but also opportunities for real-time reporting and audience engagement through digital channels.
As the transition approaches, The Jersey Journal and The Star-Ledger aim to honor their legacies while embracing a new era. “The reality is that the print news model cannot be sustained,” noted Wes Turner, an executive with The Star-Ledger. The end of print editions for these historic New Jersey papers represents the evolving landscape of local journalism, with a strong commitment to continue informing communities in new formats.
