Arizona Republic to Relocate Printing Operations to Las Vegas

News Summary

The Arizona Republic is moving its printing operations from Phoenix to Las Vegas, leading to the loss of 117 jobs. This change, confirmed by Gannett, aims to cut costs through a joint-publishing arrangement. The last copies printed in Phoenix will be released on October 5, 2025. Employees were notified about the layoffs in accordance with legal regulations. Staff expressed dismay regarding the move’s impact on the local economy, while Gannett reassured the commitment to local journalism despite the operational changes.

Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona Republic, a prominent newspaper with a 135-year history, is set to shift its printing operations from Phoenix to Las Vegas, resulting in the loss of 117 jobs. This move has been confirmed by the newspaper’s parent company, Gannett, as part of a strategy to reduce costs through a joint-publishing arrangement.

The last copies of The Arizona Republic printed in Phoenix are scheduled to come off the presses on October 5, 2025. Employees were informed of their impending layoffs on the same date. In alignment with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, layoff notices were filed on July 22.

Staff members at the newspaper expressed disbelief and sadness over the announcement, particularly those with long tenures at the publication. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential negative impact on the local economy, as resources will now be directed to Las Vegas instead of being retained in Arizona.

In a response to inquiries regarding the operational changes, Gannett’s chief communications officer stated that the shift in printing location would not diminish the quality of journalism provided. The company reassured employees and readers alike that it will continue to generate local content and connect advertising partners with customers, despite the logistical changes.

As part of this transition, severance packages will be offered to affected employees, along with bonuses for those who remain through the printing deadline. The Deer Valley printing facility, located in north Phoenix, will be permanently closed as operations are relocated. Only a small number of workers will remain on-site for tasks related to decommissioning machinery and facility maintenance once the closure occurs.

The consolidation of print operations marks a broader trend in the newspaper industry, which has seen numerous publications seeking efficiencies and cost reductions through similar relocations. The existing printing presses at the Deer Valley site have not yet been designated for any alternate use following their closure.

Other Gannett publications currently printed in Phoenix, such as the Desert Sun, Ventura County Star, and Victorville Daily Press, will also move their operations to different facilities located in Riverside, California. Starting in October, newspapers printed in Las Vegas will be transported to various points throughout Arizona, necessitating adjustments in submission deadlines for news and advertising content.

In August 2023, the printing plant in Phoenix was sold for $38 million, with Gannett leasing the location to maintain operations until the current transition. The company aims to leverage the anticipated operational savings from this move to invest in journalism and explore new business opportunities, highlighting its commitment to continue delivering news to its audience despite structural changes.

This announcement is reflective of an ongoing transformation within the media landscape, where many traditional print outlets are grappling with economic pressures and rising challenges in sustaining local print operations in their respective markets.

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