Gannett to stop Saturday print editions at 136 newspapers, but will give subscribers online access to all its papers

Gannett Co., the nation's largest newspaper chain, will discontinue Saturday print editions at 136 of its 253 dailies starting March 5. Instead, subscribers will gain "new, additional benefits" such as online access to all other Gannett papers, according to an email to staff Wednesday, Don Seiffert reports for the Boston Business Journal.

"The move is the latest in a series of cost-cutting actions newspaper owner Gannett has implemented over the last several years," Bob Joseph reports for WNBF in Binghamton, N.Y., long a Gannett town. "Many newspaper industry observers had expected Gannett to drop more print editions in 2022. The company started the process by eliminating several print editions around holiday weekends last year."

Gannett won't say when or if it plans to drop select weekday print editions, but Mondays and Tuesdays are likely targets because print advertising is light on those days, Joseph reports.

Gannett spokesperson Lark-Marie Anton said in a statement to the Business Journal: "Our business — just like any other — is adapting to a competitive digital world. With more of our readers engaging with our content online, we are embracing our digital future with this evolved Saturday experience while ensuring our subscribers have unlimited access to the news, sports, events and information they value most."