News Summary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) will end its printed edition on December 31 as part of its shift towards becoming a fully digital media company. This transformation aims to meet changing consumer habits and bolster AJC’s digital journalism efforts, with the goal of reaching 500,000 paid digital subscribers. Despite the end of print, AJC will continue offering an e-paper version and focus on interactive digital platforms, ensuring quality journalism for the Atlanta region while adapting to industry trends.
Atlanta – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) has announced that it will cease publication of its printed edition at the end of this year on December 31. This significant shift is part of a broader strategy to accelerate the AJC’s transition into a fully digital media company in response to changing consumer habits in the media landscape.
The AJC, which boasts a rich legacy spanning 157 years, has been gradually transforming over the past three years to adapt to modern readership demands. The organization is investing millions to enhance its reporting capabilities and technology, with an ambitious goal of reaching 500,000 paid digital subscribers.
Under the newly ratified digital-first model, AJC plans to focus on distinctive journalism delivered through various digital platforms, including its website, mobile app, videos, and podcasts. The AJC remains committed to informing and entertaining the citizens of Georgia while ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions.
Leadership at the AJC has expressed confidence that the outlet will continue to offer essential news coverage for the Atlanta region and beyond as it fully embraces its digital identity. This move is designed to allocate resources more effectively towards high-quality journalism that meets the evolving expectations of news consumers.
Over the past two and a half years, the AJC has made considerable strides in expanding its teams and capabilities. The media organization has opened new bureaus and invested in product development, analytics, and data science. Recently, AJC relocated its offices back to Midtown Atlanta, enhancing its presence in the city, and added new reporters located in Athens, Macon, and Savannah.
The organization has also initiated the launch of a video content team and developed a UATL subscriber product focused on celebrating Atlanta’s Black culture. Despite the cessation of its printed edition, AJC will still provide an e-paper digital version of its publication, which will be accessible through the AJC’s website and mobile app.
An updated mobile app is set to launch this fall, which will serve as a customizable hub for various content types for subscribers, further enriching the digital experience for its audience. The decision to eliminate the print edition is expected to result in the loss of approximately 30 full- and part-time jobs related to the print product’s design and distribution.
Despite being profitable in print, the AJC acknowledges the persistent decline in revenue from print publications. Hence, the organization is pivoting towards sustainable digital offerings to ensure its relevance in the future. Furthermore, it has been emphasized that this decision is not driven by cost-reduction motives, but rather a strategic effort to enhance engagement with upcoming generations.
In conjunction with this transition, the AJC is planning upcoming campaigns to promote its journalism and digital services while also celebrating the rich history and legacy of its print publication throughout the year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AJC to Move to Fully Digital Publication
- New York Times: AJC Print Edition Ending
- CNN: AJC Final Print Edition
- KMJ Now: AJC to End Print Edition
- Daily Cartoonist: The AJC Quits Print
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