In a significant shift for Atlanta’s media landscape, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) has announced it will cease print newspaper publication after an incredible 157-year run. The final print edition is slated for December 31, 2025, marking the end of an era as the legacy institution transitions to a fully digital news platform starting in January 2026.
A Necessary Evolution in Media
President and Publisher Andrew Morse described the move as a strategic necessity to better serve readers in today’s rapidly changing media environment. “We knew this day would come and have been planning for it,” Morse stated on the AJC’s website. “Many more people engage with our digital platforms and products today than with our print edition, and that shift is only accelerating.”
This transition allows the AJC to concentrate its resources and energy on producing high-quality journalism across its digital channels. The publication currently boasts around 115,000 paid subscribers, with over half opting for exclusive digital access. Morse has set an ambitious goal of reaching 500,000 digital subscribers by the end of next year.
Investing in Digital Growth and Reach
The AJC has been making substantial investments to bolster its digital presence. This includes expanding its reporting operations with new bureaus in cities like Athens, Macon, and Savannah. To stay relevant and engage a wider audience, the publication has also enhanced its multimedia offerings, including video content and podcasts.
Furthermore, the AJC has launched UATL, a product specifically designed to highlight Atlanta’s vibrant Black cultural landscape. Editor-in-Chief Leroy Chapman Jr. emphasized that this digital shift is not a step back but a forward movement: “We are not stepping away from our readers. we’re stepping forward with them.”
Environmental and Reader Support
Cox Enterprises, the parent company, is committed to supporting the AJC’s long-term vision. CEO Alex Taylor noted the environmental benefits of the digital transition, stating, “This change will allow us to reduce the use of trees, plastic, water and carbon, while at the same time increasing our focus on news gathering and public accountability.”
With this change, Atlanta will become the largest U.S. metropolitan area without a daily print newspaper. The AJC plans to offer a “white glove” transition service for its long-time print readers, providing support and education to help them seamlessly move to digital platforms. This move signifies a major adaptation in the media industry, reflecting broader trends towards digital-first news delivery.
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