The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) will cease its print edition at the end of 2025, transitioning to a fully digital model starting January 1, 2026.
The decision, announced today, reflects the newspaper’s strategy to adapt to evolving media trends and consumer preferences, prioritizing digital platforms to reach a broader audience.
The AJC, which traces its roots to 1868, has been under the leadership of President and Publisher Andrew Morse since January 2023. Morse initially delayed plans to end print in June 2023, citing an insufficiently robust digital product. By 2025, with digital subscriptions projected to grow 35% and digital revenue up 22% from 2023 to 2025, the transition was deemed viable.
The move aligns with a $150 million investment from Cox Enterprises, the AJC’s parent company, to transform the outlet into a modern media company.
This includes expanding digital offerings on AJC.com, mobile apps, video, and podcasts, while maintaining an e-paper for subscribers.
The AJC aims to reach 500,000 paid digital subscribers by 2026, up from approximately 100,000 in 2025.
The shift also involves opening new bureaus in Athens, Macon, and Savannah to broaden coverage across Georgia and the Southeast.Editor-in-Chief Leroy Chapman Jr. emphasized that the mission to deliver impactful journalism remains unchanged, with a focus on sustainability and reaching communities digitally.
Cox Enterprises supports this transition, noting reduced environmental impact (e.g., less paper, plastic, and carbon use) and a commitment to long-term success. The final print edition is set for December 31, 2025, marking the end of a 157-year print legacy. No immediate layoffs were announced, and the AJC has added nearly 100 staff since Morse’s arrival, though some buyouts and layoffs occurred.