The Star-Ledger, New Jersey’s largest newspaper, published their last print edition this past Sunday, Feb. 2. The paper also closed its production facility located in Montville.
The Star-Ledger has not completely left, but will continue publishing their articles digitally online. A digital copy of the paper can be read on nj.com, among other various outlets circulating in New Jersey.
Joining the Star-Ledger in its transition to the digital world are The Times of Trenton and the South Jersey Times, which can also be read seven days a week by monthly subscribers. However, the Jersey Journal will not survive this monumental change, as the paper will now cease their publications both in print and digital.
Many citizens of New Jersey are saddened by the news of the various papers going online, mourning the end of an era. However, this decline has been expected for far too long. Reports from Pew Research Center indicate that newspaper circulation was down 8%, a drastic decrease from previous years.
The report’s director noted concern for the lack of consumer interest for the publication, stating, “Voter participation tends to decline. Split-ticket voting tends to decline. Incumbents are reelected more often. Rates of corruption can increase. Rates of police misconduct can increase.”
Despite the notion that the public will soon become less informed, many people have turned to the Internet and Social Media for their local and national news. The president of NJ Advance Media, Steve Alessi, told reporters after the announcement of the paper’s end back in 2024, that “Today’s announcement represents the next step into the digital future of journalism in New Jersey.”
Still, many journalists across the state feel a deep sense of sadness and nostalgia for the paper’s coming to an end. Recollections of late night writing and long commutes to the newsroom remind writers everywhere that a new age is coming.
Tom Bergeron, former editor, wrote a heartfelt article about his time working for the Star-Ledger. He concludes his love-letter to his past with a simple statement that reads, “I’m sad to see the Ledger be put to bed for the last time. But I’m forever grateful for all the time I was lucky enough to have been part of the process. It was the greatest thrill of my career.”
Change may be inevitable, but that doesn’t stop it from being a little bit terrifying. It’s hard to say goodbye to something so great when you’re unsure of the next good thing to come. This isn’t a final goodbye to the Star-Ledger or newspapers as a whole, but it’s difficult to sit and watch what’s comfortable and known disappear in the rearview mirror.
bkeatin1@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @Djflem, wikimedia
