Not to overload you guys with death news, but the Dispatch Printing Company (parent company of the Columbus Dispatch) announced today that after this month it will cease publication of The Other Paper, which it acquired in the sale of American Community Newspapers back in 2011. Four more issues, then that’s it. Here’s the full release
Columbus, Ohio (January 4, 2013) – The Dispatch Printing Company announced today that it will cease publication of The Other Paper at the end of the current month. The last issue is set for distribution on Thursday, January 31, 2013.
The Other Paper was one of the Central Ohio media properties acquired in September, 2011 from American Community Newspapers. It became a second free-distribution entertainment weekly publication for The Dispatch Printing Company which already had Alive! in its portfolio of products.
“In viewing the research of who reads the two publications, and after hearing from the local advertising community, it became more and more obvious that one publication would better serve our readers and advertisers,” said Michael Fiorile, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Dispatch Printing Co.
Reader feedback indicated that The Other Paper and alive! had too much overlap between the two publications. Advertiser feedback indicated the two publications didn’t have enough differentiation in their audiences. Alive! was judged the stronger brand which led to the final decision.
This decision will allow more focus and resources to be directed toward alive! in 2013 which serves readers and advertisers in the very best way.
All media inquiries should be directed to Phil Pikelny, VP-Dispatch Digital and Chief Marketing Officer at (614) 461-5222 or ppikelny@dispatch.com
It’s sad news, and it stings, given that TOP was voted Ohio’s best alternative weekly by the Cleveland Press Club in 2011 and 2012. …I’ll probably have more to say later.
