GateHouse Media announces closure of three Southern Illinois publications

GateHouse Media today announced the closure of three of its properties in southern Illinois.

The Daily American, a five-times-a-week newspaper in West Frankfort, the Murphysboro American, a weekly in Murphysboro, and the Money Stretcher, a weekly free shopper distributed in several Southern Illinois communities, will cease publication the week of May 10, 2015.

Challenging economic conditions in the markets these publications serve have left the company unable to maintain operations.

"Despite our best attempts to adapt to the economy in these markets and the changing media landscape, we are unable to continue," said Regional Publisher Lynne Campbell. "We routinely evaluate all our properties. This was a tough decision that had to be made, but it will allow us to improve our remaining properties in the region."

The offices housing the Murphysboro American will close in mid-May. The West Frankfort offices, which have served as GateHouse Media's hub in the region, will remain open.

Subscribers to the Murphysboro American and The Daily American will receive a letter with details about their subscriptions. Advertisers will also be notified in the coming days.

The Daily American will also maintain its online presence at dailyamericannews.com.

"It has been an honor to have served these markets over the years, and we deeply regret any inconvenience," Campbell said.

GateHouse Media's other publications in the region, including the S.I. Trader, Harrisburg Daily Register, Eldorado Daily Journal, Marion Daily Republican, Benton Evening News, Du Quoin Evening Call, Carmi Times, Olney Daily Mail and several weekly newspapers, will continue to serve their communities and publish on their regular schedules.

For more information, contact Leigh Caldwell, Regional Editor, GateHouse Media Southern Illinois, at (941) 544-3146 or lcaldwell@dailyamericannews.com.