8 Local Wyoming Newspapers Shutdown Overnight

Early Wednesday, News Media Corp, which owns small-town newspapers across America, suddenly shut down 8 local Wyoming papers.

There is nothing on the News Media Corp website about these shutdowns.

There was no warning for their employees or the communities that they serve.

Employees received phone calls and Emails telling them that everything was shut down, including their healthcare.

Those papers include:
Pinedale Roundup,
Platte County Record-Times
Guernsey Gazette,
Torrington Telegram,
Lusk Herald,
Uinta County Herald,
Bridger Valley Pioneer
Kemmerer Gazette.

I know a few reporters from some of these newspapers, and I've asked them to come on Wyoming's morning radio talk show to tell us what happened and what it means to their communities.

I was just working with Marie Hamilton of the Platte Record Times on an important series of stories regarding a large wind, solar, and battery farm that has locals up in arms.

She was writing in-depth articles on the issues. It is information people need. So where do they get it now?

There is very little left for local media in small communities like Platte County.

Media is changing with modern technology.

No longer do we see newspaper boxes on street corners.

Folks get their news from their phones.

Everything is fast, instant at times, and digitized.

There will always be a place for local media. It's a necessary part of our local community. We need local reporters.

There is a lot of money to be made with today's internet news.

Local news media need to figure out how to work with today's technology to make that happen.

But as for right now, there is a hole in these local communities.

Marie Hamilton of the Platte Record Times sent out this message to her readers:

Rural Wyoming Journalism Matters

I can’t sit back and do nothing.

I’ve already committed to continuing my work, paid or not. Because rural journalism isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. Our communities need these newsrooms, and they deserve them.

I left a corporate newsroom and took a significant pay cut to return home. Not for money or recognition — but because I believe in this work. Serving my rural community has been the honor of a lifetime. I told the Cowboy State Daily that today, and I meant every word.

After a long, emotional day filled with phone calls, messages, and tears, I realized: it’s up to us — the journalists who called these newsrooms home — to lead the charge. To rally support. To defend what matters.

We need you.

In the meantime, we’ll work toward a temporary solution to keep the news flowing — and remain hopeful a permanent one is on the horizon. We’ll keep advocating for rural journalism, and we’ll keep showing up.

Please share this group with anyone who believes in this mission and wants to help us chart a path forward.

Your support today has been humbling beyond words. Thank you. I love you all.
— Marie