Montgomery, AL, Newspaper Expands Its Printing, Finishing Operations

MONTGOMERY, AL—August 4, 2014—Since 1829, the Montgomery Advertiser has been rolling out newspapers for the citizens of Montgomery, AL, and beyond (under the name of The Planter's Gazette, until 1833). These days, though, when so many people hear that print is dead and newspapers are dying, some subscribers are worried about the future of their local paper.

"We are in it for the long haul, folks," assured Tom Clifford, executive editor, in last Sunday's edition. "So, no, we are not abandoning you. Not packing up. Not moving out."

"In fact, just the opposite," he continued. In addition to making editorial changes, such as adding USA Today content to increase its news coverage, the newspaper has installed a Muller Martini Bravo T saddlestitcher in its packaging department. And later this month, it will receive an upgraded digital ink color control system for its Goss Metro press.

"From a purely business perspective, these investments are smart," General Manager Roger Holmes stated. "The new equipment will help us reduce waste, improve our environmental impact and position us for additional print growth."

Clifford says the first big project using the new equipment will be the launch of the redesigned Bulletin Board magazine, a popular buy-sell-trade publication that was previously outsourced to a Nashville printer.

In April, the Montgomery Advertiser launched a redesigned digital experience that increased monthly mobile traffic by 1,600 percent. "At the heart of it all, however, is the printed newspaper," wrote Clifford.

"These are exciting times for Montgomery," he said. "We plan to grow together."