Declining revenues, news consumption trends lead The Gazette, Telegraph Herald to cut print publishing schedules [Video]

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – Two eastern Iowa newspapers are reducing their print publication schedules due to news consumption trends.

The Dubuque-based Telegraph Herald cited “the evolving landscape of news consumption and the economic realities of print media” for the change. TH Media is dropping its schedule from six days per week to Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting February 15.

The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reported, “the costs of producing and delivering the print edition continues to increase while the number of readers consuming or advertising in print have been declining.” The newspaper will move to a Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday distribution schedule, starting February 17.

Loras College Professor Heather Trees, a former journalist, says the news outlets “had no choice.”

“They have to do everything they can to be able to keep serving these local communities, and so eventually I think they will have to go completely digital and that …