The Atlanta Journal-Constitution to drop print edition

Zoom in: In a letter to readers, AJC president and publisher Andrew Morse framed the decision as a proactive measure meant to help the storied paper allocate more resources to journalism and digital products that serve readers better.

• "The fact is, many more people engage with our digital platforms and products today than with our print edition, and that shift is only accelerating," he wrote.
• "I don't need to tell you how quickly the media landscape is evolving. For you, and for us, holding onto the paper can bring a sense of comfort in a world of unrelenting change. But we cannot allow that to hold us back."
• Morse also noted that the digital-only shift is eco-friendly.

The big picture: The shift to digital comes as newspapers around the nation face challenges footing the costs associated with printing a daily paper.

• Many major state and regional newspapers have shuttered their print editions in recent years, or have reduced their print frequency in order to save costs.
• The pandemic served as a catalyst for newspapers to consider serious cost-cutting measures to survive. In recent months, tariffs on print products have also forced newspapers to raise prices.
• The uptick in newspaper closures over the past decade has left more than half of the nation's 3,143 counties — or 55 million people — with just one or no local news sources where they live.

Between the lines: Unlike many newspapers that are owned by big conglomerates, AJC is one of the few major metropolitan newspapers that is still privately held by a family invested in its success.

• AJC's owners Cox Enterprises — who also own Axios — have reportedly committed to investing many millions in AJC's expansion in recent years.

• "The company has provided us with substantial investment, editorial freedom and independence, and the time to innovate and transform our business, which is unique in the news industry at this moment," Morse said in his reader note.

By the numbers: The newspaper currently has around 115,000 paid subscribers, of which 75,000 pay only for the digital version of the newspaper, per Morse.

• Morse has said that he aims to reach 500,000 paid digital subscribers by the end of next year.

What's next: Morse said the company plans to launch a new mobile app by the end of the year, and will add new membership perks and live events to its product offering.

• The paper's daily ePaper report will still be accessible to subscribers through the AJC mobile app and AJC.com.