Brookline Tab Will End Print Edition In May

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Tab is ending the print edition of its newspaper and will exclusively offer news digitally, effective May 5.

The paper's parent, Gannett-owned Wicked Local, announced the move on Wednesday. Gannett will also cease print editions of the Newton Tab, Watertown Tab & Press, and Needham Times.

"This business decision reaffirms The Brookline Tab’s commitment to the sustainable future of local news,” the company said. "The Brookline Tab and its parent company, Gannett, understand many readers value and depend upon the news and information they find weekly in their print products. The company’s focus on digital news presentation helps ensure continued delivery of valuable community journalism and effective platforms for advertisers.“

According to a recent report by media watchdog Dan Kennedy, Gannett also plans to pull back from local coverage in Massachusetts, focusing instead on regional news.

The Brookline Tab's previous owner, GateHouse, merged with Gannett in 2019. Gannett has made cost-cutting measures at newspapers across the nation since. This week, the chain cut 180 jobs at newspaper plants in Wisconsin, moving that state's printing operations to Illinois.