News Summary
The Arizona Republic will stop its printing operations in Phoenix and move to Las Vegas by October 5, 2025, resulting in 117 employee layoffs. Gannett announced this decision to streamline costs and enhance sustainability. Despite the transition, journalistic quality will remain intact as the Arizona Republic focuses on digital content and additional resources for journalism. The Deer Valley printing facility, a staple in local newspaper printing since the 1990s, will close as part of the restructuring, impacting employees and local readers.
Arizona – The Arizona Republic is set to cease its printing operations in Phoenix, moving instead to Las Vegas, a transition that will result in the layoff of 117 employees at the Deer Valley printing facility in north Phoenix. The closure is scheduled for October 5, 2025, marking a significant shift in local newspaper operations.
This change was announced by Gannett, the parent company of the Arizona Republic, on July 22, 2025. The decision is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy focused on enhancing sustainability within the company. By consolidating printing operations in Las Vegas, Gannett aims to allocate more resources towards journalistic investments, despite the challenges presented by this transition.
According to company representatives, the quality of journalism produced by the Arizona Republic will not be affected by the change in printing location. Alongside the Arizona Republic, other publications printed at the Deer Valley facility—such as the Arizona Daily Star and USA Today—will also be moving their printing operations to Las Vegas. Additionally, three California newspapers will be relocated to Riverside, California, as part of this extensive restructuring effort.
The Deer Valley printing plant has a long history, having originally been opened in the mid-1990s, with roots in newspaper printing stretching back to the 1940s in downtown Phoenix. Gannett previously sold the Deer Valley facility for $38 million in 2023 but continued to lease it for printing purposes until the new operational strategy was finalized.
As a result of the impending closure, affected employees will receive severance packages, as stipulated by company policy. A small number of workers will remain at the facility to assist with equipment relocation and cleaning after its final operational date.
With this shift in printing, the Arizona Republic will embrace new logistical challenges, including adjusted deadlines for news and advertising submissions. The Las Vegas Review-Journal has been designated to handle the printing, advertising, and distribution tasks for The Republic moving forward. Despite these operational changes, the Arizona Republic’s online presence and content delivery through digital platforms will remain unaffected, ensuring continuity in accessibility for its readership.
Gannett’s extensive printing operations span approximately 5.3 million square feet across the nation, with a considerable portion of that space, roughly 3.9 million square feet, being leased. The company’s efforts to streamline operations highlight an ongoing trend within the newspaper industry, as print media continues to adapt to changing economic landscapes and consumption habits.
In summary, the Arizona Republic’s transition to Las Vegas for printing represents not only a restructuring of operational logistics but also an effort to refocus investments in journalism amid evolving market conditions. As the Deer Valley facility prepares for its closure, the implications of this move will be felt by employees, local readers, and the broader community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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