Everett Herald Cutting Staff in Half

The Everett Herald, recently acquired by Carpenter Media Group after Black Press Media filed for bankruptcy, is experiencing drastic staff reductions. With 62 layoffs announced, the unionized newsroom now operates with less than half its previous workforce, illustrating the financial struggles of local journalism. Despite population growth in the area, the daily circulation of the Everett Herald has dwindled to one-third of its former size. The editorial staff's decision to unionize in 2022 was driven by low pay and retention challenges, and the paper has since altered its delivery methods and publication schedule. This situation reflects a broader decline in the newspaper industry, which has seen over 2,600 weekly publications close or merge between 2004 and 2023.

In a year where nearly 20,000 journalism jobs were lost, the viability of local news is increasingly threatened. As digital platforms continue to prioritize national coverage, local publications are left to grapple with diminishing readership and revenue. The rise of AI-generated content further complicates the landscape, prompting urgent discussions about the future of news media.