BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — The Buffalo News has announced that its downtown print production facility will soon close and move to Cleveland, affecting approximately 160 jobs.
Aaron Chimbel, dean of the Jandri Communication Department at St. Bonaventure University, said this is part of a larger trend that’s happening across the country.
“That means we’re limited in our ability to publish timely print or keep newspapers up-to-date,” says Dean Chimbel. “Obviously, Cleveland is hours away from Buffalo, so getting a newspaper there and making it all happen would certainly put up some barriers to getting the latest news out there.”
An article published by the Buffalo News on Monday said:
“This change will allow us to continue investing in journalism, which is at the core of our mission.”
Chimbel told 7 News reporter Yoselyn Persson that the change could affect older generations.
“So it tends to be part of the larger base of the newspaper’s customer base. So it’s always a challenge,” he says. “How do we get out of print products that are expensive and difficult to distribute and digital products that have customers who prefer print?”
At least 160 jobs involved in printing and distributing the Buffalo News will be affected by the proposed action.
The operations and staff of the Press Office will remain unchanged.
“I would hate to see a newspaper like the Buffalo News make decisions like this,” Chimbell said. “But I’d rather see this than reduce the editorial staff.”
The printing and distribution changes are expected to come into force later this year.
