149-year-old Salt Lake Tribune ending daily print edition

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake Tribune announced Monday that it will stop printing a daily newspaper at the end of the year after nearly 150 years and move to a weekly print edition.

The change won’t result in cuts to the newsroom staff of about 65 people, though some would be “redeployed,” the newspaper reported. Reporters and editors will continue to file breaking news online as it happens.

The new publication will be delivered by mail. Nearly 160 press operators, carriers and other employees will lose their jobs.

The news comes after two recent ownership changes: The paper was purchased in 2016 by Paul Huntsman, son of the late billionaire industrialist Jon Huntsman Sr. and brother to Jon Huntsman Jr., a former U.S. ambassador to Russia.

Last year, Paul Huntsman shepherded the Tribune into becoming a nonprofit in hopes of ensuring its long-term viability as newspaper revenue declined nationwide. He cited continued declines and economic upheaval related to the coronavirus pandemic Monday as he announced the decision to the newsroom staff, calling it a painful but necessary concession.

“This is a historic moment in the industry, but one that reflects the reality of today’s news consumption,” Huntsman, who remains chairman of the nonprofit board, said in a statement.

The new weekly publication is expected to be profitable, showcasing the reporters’ best enterprise work and in-depth stories, as well as obituaries and expanded editorial content.

The decision also ends a joint operating agreement with the other major daily in Salt Lake City, the Deseret News. It is owned by the state’s predominant faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Deseret News has not announced its plans for print, but did say in a story on its website that it was laying off six journalists and giving severance packages to 18 staff members in visual editing and sales departments.