NEWARK, N.J. — The Star-Ledger, New Jersey’s largest newspaper, will cease print publication next month following years of declining circulation, rising costs, and shifting reader preferences, its parent company announced.
The final print edition of The Star-Ledger will be published on February 2, 2025, along with The Times of Trenton and South Jersey Times. The weekly Hunterdon County Democrat will print its last issue on January 30, 2025. The newspaper’s Montville production facility will also be shut down.
In addition to economic challenges, The Star-Ledger has lost readership in recent decades as it adopted a more left-leaning editorial stance and moved away from traditional news coverage. Earlier this month, the company made its first cuts to its editorial staff, which had been criticized for its opinion-driven approach.
Advance Local, which owns NJ Advance Media and NJ.com, said that while print editions are ending, digital versions will continue, offering subscribers seven-day online newspapers with exclusive local and national content. Subscribers of the Hunterdon County Democrat will have access to The Star-Ledger’s digital platform.
“Today’s announcement represents the next step into the digital future of journalism in New Jersey,” said Steve Alessi, President of NJ Advance Media. “It’s important to emphasize that this is a forward-looking decision that allows us to invest more deeply than ever in our journalism and in serving our communities.”