Lake Powell Chronicle shuts down amid parent company collapse

The Lake Powell Chronicle has closed its doors after nearly 60 years of service, following the collapse of its parent company, News Media Corporation (NMC), a family owned publisher based in Rochelle, Illinois, that purchased the Chronicle in 2005. The closure affects five Arizona papers and dozens more in four other states.

According to KJZZ News, NMC informed employees by email on August 6 that the company was ceasing operations due to “financial challenges, a significant economic downturn impacting our industry, revenue losses and increasing expenses.” The company also cited a failed sale attempt as a factor in the decision.

The Lake Powell Chronicle was based in Page, Arizona. The weekly paper, with a circulation of just over 1,300 as of 2022, had long served as a primary source of local news for Page and surrounding communities.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, NMC CEO J.J. Tompkins told staff the company would “make reasonable efforts to pay you all remaining compensation you have earned,” though many employees were terminated without warning.

The Southern Utah News, with a circulation about double that of the Chronicle, follows a business model based on other successful, hyper-local news outlets: remain independent, operate efficiently, provide local news that can’t be found elsewhere, and collaborate with the community in supporting the effort.

The Lake Powell Chronicle’s shutdown leaves Page without a dedicated news outlet, a loss that for many residents won’t easily be replaced.