Two major American newspaper chains, Gannett and McClatchy, have announced they will no longer use content from The Associated Press (AP), signaling a significant shift in their news sourcing strategy. Gannett, which owns USA Today and over 200 local newspapers, and McClatchy, the publisher behind the Miami Herald and Kansas City Star, among others, are parting ways with AP as a cost-saving measure, expecting to save millions of dollars.
Executives from both companies expressed confidence in their ability to fill the content void left by AP, with Gannett’s Kristin Roberts highlighting their robust journalism output. However, this move has raised concerns among media observers and staff at the newspapers, who fear that the loss of AP’s reliable reporting could impact the quality of news provided to readers.
The decision is part of a broader industry trend where news organizations are grappling with financial challenges and shifting towards more localized content. Gannett, for instance, has been focusing on enhancing its local news coverage despite skepticism about the reallocation of resources saved from dropping AP content. Both Gannett and McClatchy have faced financial difficulties in recent years, with Gannett merging with GateHouse Media and McClatchy being sold to a hedge fund following bankruptcy. This strategic shift away from AP reflects the ongoing transformation and economic pressures within the news industry.