Boston Globe Halts Print Edition Due to Historic Blizzard
For over 153 years, the dedicated press workers of The Boston Globe have consistently overcome challenges – from inclement weather and technical difficulties to even global pandemics – to deliver a daily newspaper. However, a truly unprecedented decision was made during Monday’s historic blizzard: executives determined that conditions were simply too dangerous to print and deliver a Tuesday morning edition.
A massive nor’easter slammed New England with over two feet of snow and fierce winds, preventing the paper’s printing staff from safely reaching Taunton, the current home of the Globe’s printing press. Taunton, surrounding towns, and much of Rhode Island were at the storm’s epicenter, with some areas receiving nearly three feet of snowfall.
Impact on Subscribers and Delivery
Print subscribers will receive both the Tuesday and regularly scheduled Wednesday editions of the Globe on Wednesday. However, single copies of the paper will not be available in retail stores, according to Jamie Nee, the Globe’s executive director of sales strategy and fulfillment.
“We don’t take the decision lightly,” stated Josh Russell, vice president of print operations at Boston Globe Media. “We’re not confident that even if we got a crew in tonight, that we could get the papers on our trucks safely. We weren’t confident that that last mile would be doable.” Monday’s delivery was also significantly impacted, with only 25% of papers reaching subscribers.
A Historic First
Interviews with long-time pressroom employees and a review of the Globe’s historical archive confirm that this marks the first time in the organization’s 1872 founding that management has halted production of a daily paper. While labor strikes caused production stoppages in the 1950s and ‘60s, the paper has always managed to print during severe weather events.
Even during the infamous Blizzard of ‘78, the Globe managed to print a few thousand copies of the February 7, 1978, edition, although delivery was severely hampered by the snowdrifts. The dedication of the press workers is legendary, with many commuting from across the state and consistently prioritizing getting the paper out.
Challenges Faced by Staff
Dan Stenstrom, the superintendent of the pressroom (with the Globe since 1985), emphasized the commitment of his colleagues. Chris Johnson, executive director of manufacturing, recounted his own harrowing journey to the facility, getting stuck multiple times and even assisting a fellow driver. He noted the “risk reward is upside down” given the dangerous conditions.
Industry Context and Digital Presence
Paul Tash, former chief executive and chair of the Tampa Bay Times, shared his experiences navigating hurricane season and the challenges of maintaining print editions. Like many newspapers, the Times has reduced its print frequency due to declining readership and advertising revenue. However, the Boston Globe has successfully maintained a seven-day print product while remaining a profitable newspaper.
Despite the print disruption, the Globe continues to deliver news online. This contrasts with 1978, when the paper lacked a robust digital presence. During that storm, staff rallied to produce a paper, and the newsroom became a temporary shelter for employees.
Past Delivery Issues
While continuous printing was maintained since 1978, the Globe has faced delivery challenges in the past. Notably, thousands of subscribers experienced weeks of missed deliveries in 2016 following a switch to a new distribution partner. Staff volunteered to deliver papers during that period.
The Boston Globe’s story is a testament to the resilience of journalism and the dedication of its staff, even in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
Source: Boston.com
