Madison Press to become digital- only paper

The Madison Press will stop publishing a printed newspaper and go to a digital-only format beginning next week.

The London-based newspaper announced Wednesday that it will become a weekly paid digital publication. For the remainder of July, it will be available for viewing free of charge. After that, viewing the Madison Press will require a paid subscription.

“While you will no longer receive a physical printed newspaper, we remain committed to London and surrounding Madison County,” said Lane Moon, publisher and regional vice president of the newspaper’s owner, AIM Media Midwest, in the announcement.

The new digital newspaper will be published once a week. It typically will run eight to 12 pages and will be available for viewing in digital format each Friday, Moon said.

The newspaper will provide additional coverage of London and surrounding communities in Madison County on its website: www. madison-press.com. In addition to the new digital version of the Madison Press, the company will continue to print the Madison Press Community Guide, he said.

The Madison Press is making the change from printed publishing to strictly digital because of “a variety of factors impacting the newspaper industry,” including the increases in the price of newsprint due to tariffs that began earlier this year, Moon said.

In addition, the newspaper’s landlord in London has decided to seek other renters for the property, located at 55 W. High St.

“While it’s true we will be closing the physical office in London, we won’t be leaving the community as some of you may have heard recently,” Moon said. “We remain deeply committed to continuing to provide you the very best in local coverage and continuing to serve the community.”

The Madison Press has been in operation since 1842, according to its website. AIM Media Midwest bought the newspaper in 2017. In April, the company ceased publishing its Tuesday, Thursday and Friday editions and began delivering the publication on two days only: Wednesdays and Saturdays.

At that time, Moon said that in a market the size of London and Madison County, “it has become increasingly challenging to publish five days a week and remain a viable business.”

Information about staffing of the publication and its future address were not available on Wednesday.