Atlanta Journal-Constitution unveils $150 million revival plan

The local news industry across the United States is grappling with profound difficulties, characterised by closures and job reductions. In a bold countermeasure, Andrew Morse, the president and publisher of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), has implemented an ambitious plan to revitalise the publication. With a substantial investment of $150 million secured over the next few years, Morse’s vision aims to bolster the newspaper’s relevance and sustainability.

Morse’s tenure at AJC began in January 2023, following his departure from a distinguished role as a CNN executive. Determined not to merely witness a decline, Morse acknowledges the hollowed-out advertising landscape dominated by tech giants like Google and Facebook. He recognises the emergence of news deserts in numerous American regions, stressing the necessity of building a future-oriented model for local journalism.

The state of local news is dire: according to the Medill State of Local News Report from Northwestern University, an average of more than 2.5 newspapers ceased operations each week over the year ending October. The concentration of newspaper ownership among a few corporate entities, some controlled by investment funds, often prioritises short-term profits at the expense of newsrooms, resulting in sharp critiques labelling it a ‘money-making death spiral’.

Cox Enterprises, the parent company of AJC, remains committed to maintaining the publication despite previously divesting from other newspaper assets. Alex C. Taylor, CEO of Cox Enterprises, underscores the newspaper’s pivotal role in Atlanta’s community, reinforcing a commitment to journalistic integrity amidst Morse’s transformative agenda.

Morse has initiated the construction of a cutting-edge newsroom in Midtown Atlanta, symbolising AJC’s physical and strategic return to the city’s core. The new facilities are designed for diverse journalistic outputs, including reporting, podcasting, and live events.

Political coverage remains at the forefront of AJC’s renewed focus, given Georgia’s significant position in the national political landscape. The state has been a focal point in recent elections and political controversies, providing AJC opportunities to deliver impactful coverage that resonates beyond Atlanta.

Morse’s strategy extends beyond politics, enveloping regional sports, culture, and Black life under the moniker “UATL” — Unapologetically Atlanta. He has allocated substantial resources for a documentary on the rise of hip-hop in Atlanta, featuring prominent figures such as Andre 3000 and Snoop Dogg. This initiative is part of a broader trend of creating standalone products akin to The New York Times’ various app strategies, exemplified by the launch of UATL’s membership program, which rapidly garnered over 5,000 members.

Engagement with the community also encompasses revitalising print offerings. To boost awareness and readership, the paper is distributed for free in cities in Georgia like Athens, Macon and Savannah, where local newspapers have experienced significant reductions in staffing and circulation. Despite challenges, AJC sees slight increases in its subscription base, currently surpassing 100,000 paying print and digital subscribers.

In his role, Morse embraces a hands-on leadership style, engaging frequently with staff across all levels and participating in local community events. Meanwhile, Editor-in-Chief Leroy Chapman Jr collaborates closely with Morse, co-leading news sessions — a practice reminiscent of TV news operations — that underscores the high-level involvement in daily editorial decisions.

While some industry observers might question the implications of a publisher being so hands-on with editorial content, much of the concern is alleviated by the clear delineation Morse maintains between journalistic integrity and business needs.

As AJC strives to transform into a modern media entity, the key challenge remains increasing the subscriber base significantly. The publication aims for 500,000 subscribers, a target that would mark a substantial increase from current levels.

The initiatives reflect a broader trend in local journalism—a sector under significant stress yet still possessing the potential for innovation and revival. The consensus among industry executives is cautiously optimistic about Morse’s strategy, expressing support and a desire to see AJC’s resurgence come to fruition.

Source: Noah Wire Services