Anthony Catalano’s publishing group Australian Community Media (ACM) has made a major change to the publishing model of a group of historic newspapers in central west New South Wales.
The Central Western Daily in Orange, first published in 1945, the Daily Liberal in Dubbo (1875) and the Western Advocate in Bathurst (1848) will no longer have print editions Monday to Friday.
Instead, the focus will be digital on weekdays, with expanded weekend print editions starting Saturday, August 24.
ACM managing director Tony Kendall said the titles have had strong support since launching digital subscriptions in 2018, with 15% annual growth in paid digital subscriptions over the last three years.
“ACM is evolving to be Australia’s leading regional and rural digital media company, and it’s important that we evolve our products to meet the modern reader’s preferences,” Kendall said.
“This new model follows changing consumption habits among readers, plus unsustainable production costs in these markets and reduced support from government."
Nine sold ACM in 2019 to Catalano, the former Domain boss, and the Thorney Investment Group for $115 million.
The group includes more than 160 regional publications, including The Canberra Times, Newcastle Herald and The Examiner.
Since then Catalano has also been building an online real estate classifieds business.
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