In a sad sign of the times, Detroit’s two newspapers announced today that they will begin three day home delivery of the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News. The two dailies will focus on their online editions primarily.
The two Detroit newspapers are the largest city in the nation to see its daily papers cease daily publication. The Detroit Media Partnership which manages day to day operations will be cutting 9 percent of their workforce.
As it stands right now, no jobs will be lost in the newsrooms of either the Detroit News or Free Press, according to Free Press publisher and chief executive of the partnership David Hunke.
"We're here because we're fighting for our survival," Hunke said at a news conference. "We're also here because we have an absolute resolve to not only save but rethink and rebuild two of the greatest newspapers in this country." Hunke described the moves as "a geometric leap forward."
Drivers and delivery personnel are expected to be hit hard by the cut backs according to Teamsters Local 372 secretary-treasurer Ron Renaud. Union leaders were given the heads up by Detroit News and Free Press executives just before the news conference today.
"Our decision to limit home delivery to three days a week reflects the reality that major newspaper markets are facing daunting economic challenges," Hunke said in a statement. "Advertising in this economy is down and costs are up. We can't live in the past."
He added: "Today consumers are more empowered then ever before. ... That means we have to change the way we deliver that news -- not just in subtle ways, but in fundamental ways."
In order to maintain publication of both the Detroit News and Free Press, the Detroit Media Partnership will alter delivery schedules of both papers. The Free Press will be delivered Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays beginning in March. The Detroit News will be delivered on Thursdays and Fridays; right now the Detroit News does not publish a Sunday paper.
The Detroit Media Partnership manages the business and editorial side of the newspapers and is responsible for 2,151 employees. The plan is for the Detroit News and Free Press to sell 32-page editions at newsstands on other days as well as to maintain their online editions.
Detroit is the largest city to have its daily newspaper production cut so drastically. This is surely a sign of a weakening economy as just last month the Tribune Company announced plans to file bankruptcy to salvage struggling revenues. Recently, the East Valley Tribune in suburban Phoenix, Arizona announced they will cut production from six days a week to four in 2009.
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