Connecticut newspapers cut print editions as industry shifts

Three well-known Connecticut newspapers — the New Britain Herald, Bristol Press, and The Chronicle of Willimantic — are about to shake up their publishing routines. Starting late September, they’ll drop Monday print editions.

This move comes from their parent company, aiming to handle rising costs and shifting reader habits. Expanded Saturday papers and steady online coverage will try to keep everyone in the loop from New Britain to Willimantic.

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Changes to Connecticut’s Local Newspaper Print Schedules

The New Britain Herald and Bristol Press will cut their Monday print issues beginning September 27. The Chronicle of Willimantic will follow on September 29.

Print runs will go from six to five days a week. Saturday editions will carry extra content, including the usual Monday comics and puzzles.

Expanded Weekend Editions

Saturday papers will offer more than just news. They’ll pack in the leisure and entertainment features that readers usually find on Mondays.

Subscribers in towns like Berlin, Plainville, and Southington can expect a beefier weekend read.

Why RISN Operations Made the Change

Rhode Island Suburban Newspapers (RISN Operations Inc.) runs all three papers after buying them from Central Connecticut Communications in April 2022. RISN leaders say two main reasons drove the change:

Printing and delivery costs keep climbing.
More readers are checking the news online instead of in print.

Part of a Statewide Strategy

RISN wants to standardize print schedules for its Connecticut newspapers. Aligning the days helps them streamline staffing, production, and delivery.

They’re also putting more energy into digital news for places like Newington, Bristol, and Willimantic.

Digital News Will Continue Daily

Monday print editions will disappear, but daily news coverage online isn’t going anywhere. Readers will still get breaking news, sports, and community updates from towns like New Britain and Southington.

Digital editions will run five days a week, alongside live updates on each paper’s website.

Keeping Local News Alive in Connecticut

The New Britain Herald, around since 1877, covers everything from local government to high school sports in Berlin and Plainville. The Bristol Press remains a steady news source for Bristol and its neighbors.

The Chronicle keeps Willimantic and nearby towns up to date on civic events and regional politics.

Industry Consolidation in Connecticut

Cutting print days comes as media consolidation keeps changing the landscape in Connecticut. Local newspaper ownership has mostly faded.

Hearst Connecticut Media Group now owns 10 daily papers, after picking up several more between 2023 and 2025.

Few Independents Remain

These days, only The Day in New London is still independently and locally owned. Other major papers, like the Hartford Courant, are run by investment firms such as hedge fund Alden Global Capital.

That shift to corporate ownership brings up real questions about the depth and variety of local reporting, especially for places like Bristol and Willimantic.

What This Means for Readers

Some longtime subscribers might miss their Monday print ritual. The bigger Saturday edition and constant online updates are supposed to help fill that gap.

Honestly, more folks just check the news on their phones or laptops now, whether it’s a city council vote in New Britain or a high school football score in Southington.

A New Chapter for Connecticut Journalism

The state’s newspaper landscape keeps shifting. These changes show both the tough spots and the grit of local journalism.

The New Britain Herald, Bristol Press, and The Chronicle of Willimantic are leaning into cost efficiency and digital growth. They’re also expanding their weekend coverage.

They want to stay as trusted news sources for Connecticut readers, from Plainville to New London. Sure, how people get their news is changing, but these papers aren’t letting go of their purpose just yet.

Here is the source article for this story: Amid industry challenges, 3 CT daily newspapers reduce print schedules

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