Newspapers play an essential role in American society and the State Journal-Register plays an important role in the Springfield and nearby central Illinois communities.
New York-based GateHouse Media bought the SJ-R and slashed its news gathering operation to a fraction of its former size. Although the newspaper has remained highly profitable, GateHouse has continued to freeze wages and reduce benefits.
This draconian cost-cutting has ensured that long-time reporters, editors and photographer who know our community will move on to jobs elsewhere.
In time, the institutional knowledge of the SJ-R will go away and a steady stream of new hires will pass through a revolving door. Such a scenario, while bad for the paper, would prove devastating for our communities.
Imagine covering state politics with new hires and interns.
Springfield and Central Illinois deserve much better from the out-of-town owners of this important regional institution.
Please join our fight to save the quality of the State Journal-Register.