Shock as Five South Dakota Newspapers Announce Immediate Closure

Without warning, employees at five different South Dakota newspapers were informed this week that their publications were ceasing operation and that they were out of work immediately.

Out of Business

The impacted newspapers:

Surprise Letter

Employees were informed of the closures Wednesday (August 6), in a letter from the head of their parent company, News Media Corporation's CEO J.J. Tompkins:

News Media Corporation

Rich History

The sudden closures bring an abrupt end to publications that, in some cases, actually predated South Dakota as a state.

The Huron Plainsman was first published in 1886, three years before South Dakota officially joined the union in 1889. The Redfield Press began in 1896.

The Brookings Register dates back to 1890. The Moody County Enterprise was first published in 1945.

Scathing Reaction

In an 'Open Letter To Our Readers', Josh Linehan, Managing Editor of the Brookings Register, wrote:

'It's no secret that it's tough times out there for all print media, and we're no exception. But make no mistake — we're closed for now as a result of poor corporate management.'

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Massive Firings

Overall, Wednesday, News Media Corporation closed all 25 of its newspapers in five states:

Arizona

Gateway to Canyon Country, Page
Lake Powell Chronicle, Page
Arizona Silver Belt, Globe
Copper Country News, Globe

Illinois

The Clinton Journal, Clinton
Mendota Reporter, Mendota
Mendota Reporter Money Saver, Mendota
Ogle County Life, Oregon
Rochelle News-Leader, Rochelle
Rochelle Shopping News, Rochelle
Amboy News, Amboy

Nebraska

Business Farmer, Scottsbluff

Wyoming

Bridger Valley Pioneer, Lyman
Guernsey Gazette, Guernsey
Kemmerer Gazette, Kemmerer
Lingle Guide, Lingle
Lusk Herald, Lusk
Pinedale Roundup, Pinedale
Platte County Merchant, Wheatland
Record Times, Wheatland
Sublette Examiner, Pinedale
Daily Telegram, Torrington
Torrington Telegram, Torrington
Uinta County Herald, Evanston

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