Atlanta, GA, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) will end its print edition by December 31, transitioning to a fully digital format. Publisher Andrew Morse cites a shift in media consumption towards digital platforms as the driving force behind this move. Currently, AJC has around 115,000 subscribers, with an ambitious goal of increasing online subscriptions to 500,000 during the transition. This change marks a significant moment in AJC’s history, which began in 1868, and reflects broader trends in the journalism industry.
Atlanta—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), one of the oldest newspapers in the United States, is set to end its print edition by December 31, 2025, marking a significant transition to a fully digital format. This move will establish AJC as the largest metropolitan area in the U.S. without a daily printed newspaper.
Publisher Andrew Morse announced the decision, citing a dramatic shift in media consumption trends favoring digital platforms. Currently, AJC serves approximately 115,000 total subscribers, out of which 75,000 are online-only subscribers. The AJC’s strategic goal is to increase these numbers to 500,000 online subscribers by the end of the transition.
The final printed edition will be published on the last day of 2025, concluding a print legacy that began in 1868, shortly after the American Civil War. The AJC has been under private ownership by the descendants of the Cox family, who have heavily invested in the newspaper’s digital transformation in recent years.
Despite still being profitable in print, AJC has observed a notable decline in print consumption. Circulation peaked at over 600,000 about twenty years ago and has since dropped to around 40,000 current print subscribers. The decision to transition comes after digital engagement has significantly outpaced print readership, highlighting the need for sustainability and adaptability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
In conjunction with the transition, AJC plans to launch a new mobile app by the end of 2025 to enhance digital user experience. The newspaper will also continue offering an electronic replica for subscribers who prefer a print-like format. Additionally, AJC’s expanding digital content strategy encompasses video productions, podcasts, and newsletters aimed at delivering high-quality journalism and remaining an essential source of news for the community.
This transition will, unfortunately, lead to the loss of approximately 30 full and part-time jobs related to the print process. However, AJC is proactively hiring additional reporters in various cities, including Athens, Macon, and Savannah, and increasing its coverage of Black culture, which highlights its commitment to bolstering local journalism across different demographic groups.
It is important to note that the move to a digital-only format is reflective of wider trends in local journalism, as many newspapers across the country are either reducing print offerings or completely ceasing production. Morse clarified that the decision to transition was made by leadership at AJC and was not mandated by its parent company, Cox Enterprises, which is investing substantially into building the newspaper’s digital infrastructure and hiring staff for product development and analytics efforts.
This anticipated shift toward digital news consumption reflects changing consumer behaviors and emphasizes the necessity for news organizations to evolve in order to stay relevant and maintain direct relationships with their audiences. AJC’s leadership views this transformation as crucial for ensuring the newspaper’s continued relevance in the future.
FAQ
When will the AJC stop publishing print editions?
The final print edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution will be published on December 31, 2025.
Why is AJC making this transition to digital?
The decision is in response to shifting consumer behaviors prioritizing digital consumption and aims to ensure the newspaper’s sustainability and relevance in the future.
How many subscribers does AJC currently have?
AJC has approximately 115,000 total subscribers, with 75,000 being online-only.
What will happen to print-only subscribers?
Subscribers who prefer a print-like experience will still be able to access an electronic replica of the newspaper.
Will there be job losses due to this transition?
Yes, approximately 30 full-time and part-time jobs related to the print process will be lost due to this shift.
Key Features of AJC Transition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Print Edition Date | December 31, 2025 |
| Current Subscribers | Approximately 115,000 |
| Goal for Online Subscribers | 500,000 |
| Job Losses | Approximately 30 full- and part-time jobs |
| Digital Expansion Plans | Mobile app launch, e-paper, video, podcasts, newsletters |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AJC to End Print Publication in Shift to Digital-Only Format
Additional Resources
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution Announcement
- New York Times: AJC Print Edition Ending
- CNN: AJC Going Digital
- Wikipedia: News Media
- Google Search: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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