Projo's Parent Co. GateHouse Media is Slashing Newspapers in New England — “Merging” 50 Into 18

The parent company of the Providence Journal and the Newport Daily News has announced that 50 community newspapers in New England will be merged into just 18.

The announcement was made by the Providence Journal’s publisher Peter Meyer and fellow GateHouse executive Lisa Strattan.

“Our readers will continue to receive the same in-depth local news coverage of their town plus additional reporting from nearby communities giving them up-to-date news on what’s happening in their region. Our advertisers will receive increased print market reach, simplified buy execution and enhanced digital opportunities,” writes Meyer and Strattan.

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READ THE FULL MEMO BELOW

The internal memo released on Friday was sent to GateHouse staff -- and Northeastern Journalism Professor Dan Kennedy released the document.

The memo did not address staff cuts. In the past two weeks, the company has slashed 200 jobs across the country including 6 at the Providence Journal, seen its stock plummet, and enter into merger talks with Gannett — another struggling newspaper conglomerate.

Just over the Rhode Island border, the Southborough, Westborough, Northborough, Hopkinton and Shrewsbury papers will all be merged into one newspaper.

“This consolidation will reduce production expenses and represents a necessary next step in our evolution, while creating a stronger product for both our subscribers and advertisers,” writes Meyer and Strattan.

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