Bucks Co. Newspapers Move Printing To N.J., Layoffs Expected

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — Owners of Bucks County's two daily newspapers, the Courier-Times and the Intelligencer, plan to shut down printing operations in Bucks County and move them to New Jersey, eliminating local jobs.

The papers announced the move this week. The transition will take place in March, with the last papers printed at the company's Fairless Hills facility on March 30.

"As our industry evolves, we have to adapt in ways that allow us to focus on the high-quality local journalism our readers expect from us," General Manager Brad Bailey said in an article posted in the Courier-Times. "Taking advantage of nearby production capabilities within our company will allow us to devote the resources necessary to remain the most trusted source of local news in three different markets."

The papers were purchased by Gatehouse Media in 2017. Gatehouse, in turn, purchased Gannett Co. last year, meaning the local papers are now owned by the largest local-news company in the U.S.

Starting in April, the papers will be printed at the Gannett-owned Courier-Post in Cherry Hills, N.J.

The papers' editorial and advertising staffs will remain in Bucks County, the paper said.

The article said the new printing location would not impact daily delivery of the papers, but that deadlines will be earlier.

The company did not say how many Bucks County employees are expected to be laid off due to the move.

"We can’t make a decision like this without deep concern for our affected coworkers," Bailey said in the article. "We have counted on them for a long time to help us get the news printed and on your doorstep, and those efforts are greatly appreciated. We are committed to working with them through this difficult transition."