LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Journal and Courier will soon look much different than it used to. In Tuesday’s issue, the paper announced it is shutting down its printing press in Lafayette.
Starting next month, its papers will be printed in Indianapolis. Former employees say the printing press in Lafayette is much different than any other in the country.
"No, I was not surprised this happened,“ said John Norberg, former J&C employee and historian. “I thought this was a possibility."
With digital media continuing to grow, traditional forms of media like newspapers are learning to adapt.
Norberg worked at the Journal and Courier for over 20 years. He says the newspaper choosing to move its printing location is a sign of the times.
"It's a business decision really being made by people who have to make those types of tough decisions,” added Norberg.
In Tuesday's edition of the paper, the article announcing the changes says the move will enhance the Journal and Courier's long-term sustainability.
However, this will also change the physical size of the newspaper. The printing and press used in Lafayette is different from others used across the country.
"It's called a Berliner,” said Bob Bloom a former copy editor and movie reviewer at the Journal & Courier. “If I remember when we got it, it was the first in the country. A Berliner is a unique size newspaper it's between a tabloid and a full sheet newspaper."
Bloom says changes like this are becoming more common.
"Communities all over the country are losing something when you lose a newspaper," added Bloom.
While the J&C will continue being published daily, Bloom says not having it printed locally is a blow to the community.
"The newspaper is losing its local identity," added Bloom.
Norberg says this serves as a reminder for community members to support local media.
"It's important that people support WLFI, The Journal & Courier, WBAA other local news outlets here in town,” added Norberg. “They are doing an important job and if they don't support them. They won't have them."
Numerous attempts to reach the publisher for comment were made, but we were able to receive a response. According to the article in Tuesday’s paper, the J&C will begin being printed in Indianapolis on Feb. 17.
