Metroland Media has pulled the plug on 71 community newspapers, meaning Northumberland News’ local paper will leave store shelves.
Two thirds of Metroland Media Group employees were laid off Friday after the company sought bankruptcy protection, marking another dark day in Canadian news media.
Local community papers have been forced to move to a digital-only format.
605 employees including 104 unionized staffers and 68 journalists have been laid off, the rest were non-unionized job categories.
“It is a sad day for me personally, as I know it is for Metroland journalists and those who worked beside us to bring the news to your doorstep.” Says Metroland’s Vice President Lee Ann Waterman.
Waterman says they’re confident the restructuring will make Metroland more sustainable.
“It is a sad day for me personally, as I know it is for Metroland journalists and those who worked beside us to bring the news to your doorstep.” Waterman concludes.
Last week marked the final delivery of Northumberland’s local paper.
Written by: Noah Lorusso