AJC to shift to digital only publication, phase out printed newspaper

Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 10:50 GMT by Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution to End Print Edition, Going Fully Digital by December 31

Published August 2025 – The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution (AJC) announced today that it will stop printing its daily newspaper and will be available exclusively in digital form beginning on December 31, 2025. The decision marks the culmination of a gradual shift toward a fully online newsroom and reflects a broader trend in the industry, where declining print circulations and changing consumer habits are forcing newspapers to rethink their business models.

Why the Move Makes Sense for a Legacy Publication

The AJC, the state’s largest daily newspaper with a history stretching back to 1880, has been grappling with the same forces that have reshaped print media across the country. According to the publisher’s statement, the decline in paid print subscriptions over the past decade has been offset only partially by advertising revenue, and the cost of maintaining a daily printing operation has grown unsustainably. The paper’s circulation had already dropped to roughly 200,000 copies a day—a number that has continued to slip in recent years as more readers turn to online news sites, mobile apps, and social media for real‑time updates.

In addition to economic pressures, the AJC cited environmental concerns. Print operations involve large volumes of paper and ink, and the newspaper’s sustainability report highlighted that shifting to digital would reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 30% over the next five years. “Our commitment to the community extends beyond journalism—it also includes stewardship of the environment,” the publisher said.

How the Digital Transition Will Play Out

A New Subscription Model

The newspaper’s website and app will become the primary access points for all AJC content, including local, state, and national news, opinion pieces, and investigative reports. Subscribers will pay a monthly fee that provides unlimited access to the full archive, premium multimedia features, and an email newsletter. The company is offering a “Starter” plan at $9.99 per month, with a “Premium” tier at $14.99 that includes ad‑free browsing, exclusive podcasts, and a “Digital Daily” that emulates the layout of the traditional paper for readers who prefer a more classic format.

In line with industry best practices, the AJC will employ a metered paywall—allowing readers to view 10 articles for free per month before requiring a subscription. This approach is aimed at capturing casual readers while encouraging long‑term engagement.

Technological Infrastructure

To support the transition, the AJC has partnered with a cloud‑based content management system (CMS) and a major data analytics firm that will help track reader behavior and personalize content. The digital platform will feature an AI‑driven recommendation engine, interactive data visualizations, and the ability to embed multimedia stories directly into the feed. The paper’s long‑standing “AJC Digital” brand will now become the umbrella for all online offerings, from the flagship website to a newly launched mobile app and a podcast network.

Print‑Ready Supplements

While daily distribution will cease, the AJC plans to keep the popular Sunday “Lifestyle” and “Real Estate” supplements as special‑edition print items that will be available by mail only to subscribers. This strategy is intended to honor long‑time readers who still prefer the tactile experience of a paper edition while keeping operational costs down.

Workforce Implications

The decision to stop printing will inevitably affect AJC’s print‑production staff. In an internal memo released to employees, the company noted that roughly 140 workers—covering roles from ink‑jet operators to the mailroom—will be offered transition packages, which include severance, retraining grants for digital skills, and job placement assistance through a partnership with the Atlanta College of Technology.

While the paper’s newsroom will see a reallocation of some journalists and editors to more digital‑focused projects—such as multimedia production and data journalism—many reporters will continue to work on the same beats. “The core of our newsroom is not changing; we are simply expanding our toolkit to meet readers where they are,” the editor-in-chief remarked.

The Community Response

Readers and community leaders have expressed a mix of excitement and concern about the shift. A long‑time subscriber, Maria Hernandez, noted that she has been transitioning to the digital platform for the past six months and appreciates the convenience, but worries about her elderly relatives who may not be as tech‑savvy. The AJC has responded by launching a “Digital Literacy” program, offering free workshops at community centers that cover how to navigate the new website, set up subscriptions, and use the mobile app.

The paper’s board of directors has pledged to keep local coverage robust, emphasizing that “going digital does not mean going shallow.” They have announced plans to double the number of local reporters, especially in underserved regions of Georgia, to ensure that the AJC remains the primary source for in‑depth investigative reporting on state politics, public health, and economic development.

Broader Industry Context

The AJC’s decision is part of a larger wave of newspapers transitioning to digital-first models. In 2024, the New York Times increased its subscription prices by 10%, while the Washington Post rolled out a “Premium” tier offering ad‑free content and early access to stories. Other regional papers—such as the Charleston Gazette‑Herald and the Pittsburgh Post‑Gazette—have announced similar moves toward full digital operations. Analysts predict that by 2028, over 80% of U.S. daily newspapers will rely exclusively on digital distribution.

Financial analysts caution that while digital platforms reduce printing costs, the revenue model remains uncertain. The AJC’s leadership acknowledges that advertising revenue online will likely be lower per reader than print, but they anticipate that the cost savings, combined with new revenue streams such as sponsored content and native advertising, will offset the gap.

What This Means for the Future of Journalism in Atlanta

By ending its print edition, the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution is positioning itself as a forward‑thinking media outlet, committed to delivering timely, multimedia‑rich stories while remaining financially viable. The move underscores a larger shift in the journalism landscape, where the convergence of technology and audience preferences demands adaptation. For Atlanta’s residents, the change promises more immediate access to breaking news and a richer digital experience—while the paper’s pledge to maintain robust local coverage and community engagement offers reassurance that the city’s narrative will continue to be told in depth.

As the last printed copy of the AJC will go out of circulation at the end of 2025, readers and journalists alike will watch closely to see whether the newspaper’s fully digital future can sustain its legacy of quality journalism and community service. The transition will be a litmus test for how well a storied institution can adapt to a rapidly evolving media ecosystem—and for how well it can keep the pulse of Atlanta alive in the 21st‑century newsroom.

Read the Full Atlanta Journal-Constitution Article at:
[ https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/08/ajc-to-move-to-fully-digital-publication-phase-out-print-dec-31/ ]

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