As part of an “(adjustment) to changing news consumption habits,” the Casper Star Tribune is ending perennial American traditions – the Sunday newspaper and “the paperboy” – but compensating by bringing its subscribers Sunday three times a week.
In May 14 article, Joshua Wolfson, editor of the Casper Star Tribune, announced “Wyoming’s only statewide newspaper” will no longer publish a Sunday edition. Instead, the paper’s print edition will be published on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
In addition, the three weekly editions will not be delivered by a Tribune newspaper delivery carrier. The U.S. Postal Service will handle all deliveries moving forward.
These changes will be in effect starting June 13, 2023.
The Tribune cites “shifts in advertising trends, increasing newsprint costs and the job market” as the reasons why change is needed. However, the Tribune sees these changes as an opportunity for “expansion.”
“When you pick up your newspaper, you’re going to feel a difference.” the article reads. “That’s because every print edition will be an expanded edition, with more content, more sections, and more pages.”
Each edition will be treated like a Sunday edition, with the same amount of local news, sports, opinions, and business. The hope is the new print editions “are going to engage (readers) like never before.”
And, of course, the Tribune’s content will be accessible on the newspaper’s website – with a subscription. The article touts that its digital subscribers have risen by 13% in the last 12 months.
There’s no denying that times have changed, and the Casper State Tribune is changing with them. But Wolfson hopes people recognize the same mission, even if it’s not physically in front of them on Sunday morning.
“As you adjust to changes in your print newspaper experience, just know that the truly meaningful things remain the same: We’re still a team of dedicated local journalists who work for a local news organization. We still care deeply about our readers. We live here, we work here, we are part of the fabric of this community. And we couldn’t do this vital work without you and your financial support of local news. Every dollar counts – for you, and for our news organization – and your commitment allows us to sustain and grow local journalism in this community.”
