News Summary
The Arizona Republic will move its printing operations from Phoenix to Las Vegas, leading to the layoffs of 117 employees. This strategic move by parent company Gannett aims to reduce costs and streamline operations while maintaining the quality of journalism. The last copies will be printed in Phoenix on October 5, with printing transitioning to Las Vegas to ensure continued delivery of local news. This decision reflects broader industry trends of cost-cutting amidst economic pressures.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Republic newspaper will be relocating its printing operations from Phoenix, Arizona, to Las Vegas, Nevada, resulting in 117 layoffs. This critical decision, announced by the newspaper’s parent company, Gannett, on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in the newspaper’s operational strategy.
The Deer Valley printing facility, located in north Phoenix, will be permanently shut down, with the last copies scheduled to be printed on October 5. Beginning in October, The Arizona Republic will print its newspapers in Las Vegas and transport the copies back to Arizona for distribution. This transition is primarily motivated by cost-cutting measures, as Gannett aims to enhance its profitability in a challenging publishing landscape.
As part of the relocation process, layoff notices were submitted on Tuesday, fulfilling the requirements of the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The affected workforce, totaling 117 employees, is part of a larger trend within the publishing industry where job reductions have been increasingly common as companies recalibrate their operational costs.
Gannett’s strategic move to a joint-publishing arrangement is anticipated to not only streamline operations but also maintain quality service for its readers. Despite the printing changes, Gannett has assured that there will be no impact on the quality of journalism produced by The Arizona Republic. The newspaper will continue its commitment to delivering quality, local content to its readers and advertising partners, even with this operational adjustment.
Moreover, Gannett expects that the transition to the new printing location will not affect delivery times for print customers. All online services and operations will remain unchanged, ensuring that digital readership continues unaffected during this process.
This decision follows Gannett’s earlier closure of another production facility in Michigan earlier this year, which resulted in 109 job losses. These layoffs reflect a broader trend within the industry, as newspapers and publishers adapt to the evolving media landscape and economic pressures.
Gannett’s overarching aim with this relocation and the associated cost savings is to potentially reallocate funds towards more journalism endeavors, enhancing the quality and breadth of content offered to readers. The Arizona Republic, one of the leading newspapers in the state, emphasizes its dedication to providing valuable news despite the operational changes and the hurdles posed by the current economic environment.
The Arizona Republic has served the Phoenix area for many years, reflecting local culture, events, and community news. As Gannett navigates these operational shifts, the focus remains on maintaining the quality and integrity of the publication, a priority for the company amidst its restructuring efforts.
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