Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC is fusing its five daily papers, creating the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, a single regional newspaper, the company said Monday.
The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's B section will include the individual daily newspapers' nameplates and content, including obituaries. Local sports, business and feature stories will be in the appropriate sections of the paper.
The first edition of the new publication is Monday. It will remain a daily newspaper with early morning delivery.
The streamlined operation will create cost savings and eliminate duplication in some areas, including printing and some administrate services. Because of the consolidation, 15 positions were eliminated: nine in the combined newsrooms of the daily papers and six other posts, less than 4 percent of the company's total workforce. After the cuts, the paper will employ 358.
Rusty Turner, editor of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, said during a company meeting that the consolidation would give readers and advertisers one brand to identify with and provide a more comprehensive news package that is easier to navigate.
The company said subscription rates will not change in the immediate future. Digital versions of the paper will still be accessible for daily print subscribers.
Created in 2009, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers is owned by WEHCO Media, Inc. of Little Rock and Stephens Media based in Las Vegas. It operates the Benton County Daily Record; Rogers Morning News; Springdale Morning News; Northwest Arkansas Times; and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Northwest Edition.
The new Northwest Arkansas Newpapers' strategy will not affect operations or employees at WEHCO Media properties.
"WEHCO media is constantly adjusting employment levels to meet the needs of our communities and our business," said Nat Lea, president of WEHCO Media, Inc.
Todd Nelson, president of of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, told the company's employees the new product will be one paper that will serve the entire region.
Northwest Arkansas Newspapers' 10 weekly publications will not be affected by the consolidation.
Business on 01/06/2015