DEMOPOLIS, Ala. — The Demopolis Times, a fixture in west Alabama since 1887, published its final edition this June, joining a growing list of Alabama newspapers lost to shifting economics and digital disruption.
The closure comes on the heels of a statewide trend. In 2023, The Birmingham News, The Huntsville Times, and Mobile’s Press-Register—three of Alabama’s largest papers—ended their print editions, moving entirely online after years of declining circulation The number of print newspapers in Alabama has dropped by more than 25% since 2005, and the number of journalists working for them has plummeted by 59% since 2006.
For generations, Alabama’s local papers chronicled community life, held officials accountable, and advocated for civic progress. The Alabama Press Association, founded in 1871, still counts over 130 active members, but many are now digital-only or operate with smaller staffs. Despite these challenges, some family-owned and community newspapers persist, adapting to new realities and continuing to serve as vital sources of local information.
The digital shift has brought both promise and peril. While outlets like AL.com reach over a million people daily online, the loss of print editions has left gaps, particularly for older residents and rural communities who relied on traditional delivery. Digital newsrooms are experimenting with new ways to engage readers, such as text-message-based tip lines and community partnerships, to maintain local coverage and public trust.
Nonprofit newsrooms like BirminghamWatch and the Alabama Initiative for Independent Journalism are stepping up to fill the void, focusing on watchdog reporting and civic engagement. Nationally, experts encourage supporting independent journalism through donations to nonprofit investigative outlets and local digital startups.
Still, the decline of local newspapers raises concerns about government transparency, civic participation, and the spread of misinformation online. As Alabama’s news landscape evolves, the challenge remains: ensuring that independent, fact-based journalism survives as a cornerstone of democracy in communities large and small.