To keep seven-day publication, Duluth News Tribune slims print paper

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Reacting to a collapse of local business, on Monday, April 6, the Duluth (Minnesota) News Tribune began to print and deliver a daily printed newspaper of 12 pages in a single section Monday through Saturday.

News Tribune Publisher Neal Ronquist said the measure was taken in order to continue to print a newspaper every day. The newspaper said the option to eliminate certain print publication on some days was “considered, but not enacted at this time.”

“We would like to avoid day elimination of the printed newspaper,” Ronquist said in a News Tribune article. “It might be a possibility down the road if economic conditions do not improve. However, we understand at this critical moment how important it is for our readers to remain informed. Reducing pages but continuing the daily delivery of a printed product is a reasonable solution at this time.”

The Sunday edition of the newspaper will not change at this time, the News Tribune  said.

The reduced print newspaper will be published for at least through May 6, the paper said.

“Once the pandemic passes, economic activity ramps up and our revenues increase, and stabilize, we would anticipate adding back pages and sections,” Ronquist said. “We’ve been here for 151 years and with the support of our subscribers and local advertisers we will be here for many more years delivering the area’s best journalism both online and in print.”

The slimmed down print daily will focus mostly on local news. The daily e-edition replica newspaper will include pages not included in the print edition.

“Print subscribers to the News Tribune receive access to the e-edition, all of the News Tribune’s digital content, and access to all content from Forum Communications Company’s other publications,” the newspaper said. “Both the print and e-editions will include comics and games, as well as the weather and TV grids.”

“It’s no secret the newspaper industry has been transitioning from a print-centric business model to a digital membership model,” Ronquist said. “Unfortunately, the timeline for that transformation has been radically pushed up as a result of the unprecedented economic disruption caused by COVID-19.”

 “The News Tribune is a business, and like other small businesses it depends on revenue from local consumers,” he continued. “Our business relies on revenue generated from subscriptions and local advertising. The disruption caused by COVID-19 to our local business community has significantly affected our revenue.”

Duluth News Tribune, Neal Ronquist