The St. Louis Post-Dispatch will stop its Monday print edition starting November 3, transitioning to a digital-only format. This decision was announced by Executive Editor Alan Achkar on the newspaper’s website. Achkar emphasized that the change allows the newspaper to concentrate its resources on the most utilized products by its readership.
Declining Print Subscriptions
The shift comes amid a significant decline in print subscribers. The report from the Alliance for Audited Media shows that weekly print subscriptions plummeted by 91% from 2005 to 2024. The numbers fell from 281,461 to just 24,263 subscribers. The Sunday edition also witnessed a similar fate, dropping from 437,311 subscribers in 2005 to 37,139 in 2024.
Growth in Digital Subscriptions
Despite the decline in print, digital subscriptions have experienced substantial growth, increasing by approximately 1,100% during the same period. However, digital subscriptions still account for less than one-fifth of what weekly print subscriptions were in 2005.
Financial Challenges for Lee Enterprises
Lee Enterprises, the parent company of the Post-Dispatch, is focusing on digital subscriptions to secure its financial future. In August 2024, the company reported that over 50% of its revenue was derived from digital sources, which it describes as “digital sustainability.”
Recent Cost-Cutting Measures
- Lee Enterprises reported a net loss of $2 million in its third-quarter report.
- The company also has $455 million in outstanding debt.
- In May, it incurred $2 million in expenses due to a cybersecurity breach in February.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has implemented several cost-saving measures in recent months, including:
- Closure of its food magazine, Feast, and dismissal of its staff.
- Shutdown of its press in January, leading to 72 layoffs, alongside outsourcing its printing operations.
- Layoffs of six newsroom staffers shortly after closing the press.
Looking Forward
The decision to cease the Monday edition reflects the changing landscape of news consumption. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch aims to adapt to these trends while maintaining its commitment to delivering local news to its audience.
