Today, the Grand Rapids Press–the largest newspaper in West Michigan–announced that it would be implementing new wage and health benefits cuts for its employees.
According to the Press, the changes are being implemented due to declining advertising revenue. The Grand Rapids Press says that it currently has no plans to move away from a seven day per week publishing schedule, but that its future depends on customer support. Publisher Dan Gaydou hinted at another increase in home delivery prices.
Gaydou said that the newspaper’s readership remains high at 310,000 daily readers and 460,000 Sunday readers.
Changes at Grand Rapids Press’ Parent Company
Moreover, The Grand Rapids Press’ parent company–Booth Newspapers–has announced major changes in its operations:
- The Ann Arbor News will cease publication in July. Instead, a new “web-driven media company” will take its place that will publish a “print product” two days per week.
- The company announced that The Bay City Times, The Flint Journal, and The Saginaw News will begin sharing resources and switch to a three day per week publishing schedule.
- The production of The Jackson Citizen Patriot, The Kalamazoo Gazette, and The Muskegon Chronicle will consolidate in Grand Rapids.
The announcements come as newspapers across the country and in Michigan struggle with declining revenue and readership.
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