Detroit’s newspaper landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. As of December 28, the joint operating agreement (JOA) between the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press has expired, marking the end of a cooperative era that lasted for 36 years. This agreement allowed both publications to merge their business operations while maintaining independent editorial voices.
The End of a Joint Operating Agreement
The JOA was established in 1989 under the Newspaper Preservation Act of 1970. This Act aimed to support financially struggling newspapers while promoting diverse editorial perspectives. The Free Press was managed by USA Today Co., while the News was owned by Digital First Media through MediaNews Group.
Under the JOA, both papers were able to remain viable amid fierce competition. Subscribers to either publication received the Free Press’s Sunday edition, which included content from the News. Critics of the JOA argue that it limited the potential growth of both newspapers.
Impact on Local Journalism
With the expiration of the JOA, the two papers are now in direct competition. This change raises questions about their ability to thrive separately in a declining local news environment. According to Nieman Lab’s survey late last year, both publications continue to attract significant online traffic, ranking among the top twenty-five local newspaper sites.
The challenge will be formidable. Gary Miles, editor and publisher of the News, acknowledged that separating their operations will likely lead to streamlined staff and resources. Historically, both newspapers engaged in aggressive pricing strategies to outdo each other. In their prime, they could charge merely fifteen cents and a nickel more per copy, respectively.
Historical Context and Federal Support
The JOA was a unique arrangement that allowed two competing newspapers to coexist financially. However, the decline of print readership has led to the dissolution of similar agreements across the country. Currently, the JOA between the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press remains the only one active in the United States.
Previously, other newspapers, such as the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the Las Vegas Sun, faced challenges, including a Ninth Circuit Court ruling declaring their cooperative agreement unenforceable. This illustrates the persistent struggles of local newspapers in maintaining operations in an increasingly digital world.
Future Prospects for Detroit Newspapers
While the Free Press may have an operational advantage, MediaNews Group manages bureaus in surrounding counties, enhancing its reporting capabilities. Both papers have announced plans to update their news products to remain competitive. The News will launch its Sunday edition again starting January 18, whereas the Free Press will enhance its offerings, particularly in lifestyle and investigative news.
Editors from both publications have expressed a mixture of optimism and concern. While some see the renewed competition as beneficial for journalism, others worry that it may lead to one newspaper eventually overshadowing the other. M.L. Elrick of the Free Press stated that the competition is essential for improving quality but acknowledged the risks involved.
- Key Newspapers: Detroit News, Detroit Free Press
- JOA Established: 1989
- JOA Expiration: December 28, 2023
- Survey Ranking: Both papers in the top 25 local newspaper sites
The future remains uncertain. While Gary Miles is optimistic about the potential for both newspapers to operate independently, skepticism abounds. Industry experts warn that historical precedents may lead one paper to be absorbed by the other. For now, both the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press are preparing for the new challenges that lie ahead in Detroit’s evolving media landscape.
