Historic New Jersey newspaper to cease print editions: 'Sad day for journalism'

NEWARK, N.J. - The Star-Ledger and a cup of coffee are how many people in Newark start their day.

But part of that routine, at least in some way, will soon fade away.

"I was shocked, honestly," said Tyquan Chalmers of East Orange. 

In an article posted Wednesday on NJ.com, the Star-Ledger -along with The Times of Trenton, South Jersey Times, and Hunterdon County Democrat- will end their print editions in February, with all but the latter going to an online format.  

The paper's production facility in Montville will also shut down, marking the end entirely for the Jersey Journal, a Hudson County-based news source, after nearly 160 years.

Customers at newsstands in Newark say they're upset that they'll soon not find the Star-Ledger paper waiting for them when they come in.

"You get information from the TV, but some people just like to relax with a paper," said Raymond Gibson, a Newark resident of 50 years.

"The Star-Ledger is the descendant of newspapers that have been published since the late 18th century, 1796," said Tom Ankner, Supervising Librarian in the Newark Public Library. 

For decades, the Star-Ledger's front pages told New Jersey history, from 9/11 to political scandals to stories that impacted the world.

"There's a kind of visceral feel from handling an old paper," said Ankner.

"I know we're moving forward in a digital age, but it's nice to just hold a newspaper in your hands," said Kathy Barrett Carter, a staff reporter for the Star-Ledger for more than 25 years. 

"Holding on to those great stories and seeing their placement in the paper. I would say, 'My story's above the fold,' and my kids were like, 'What's that mean?' I said, 'Well it means it must be kind of an important story.' so those things, people will lose somewhat in the digital age. It's a sad day for journalism in New Jersey."