"We all deserved better than this": Wyoming abruptly loses eight local newspapers

Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 21:39 GMT by Wyoming News
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CHEYENNE - Eight Wyoming newspapers closed abruptly Wednesday morning following the sudden closure of their parent company, News Media Corporation (NMC).

Wyoming's Abrupt Loss of Eight Local Newspapers Leaves Communities Reeling

In a stunning blow to local journalism in Wyoming, eight community newspapers have been shuttered overnight, leaving vast swaths of the state without dedicated sources of hometown news. The closures, announced by their owner, Adams Publishing Group, affect publications that have long served as the lifeblood of small-town reporting, chronicling everything from high school sports to city council meetings and local tragedies. The decision has sparked widespread outrage, grief, and concern about the future of informed citizenship in rural America, with many residents and former staff lamenting that "we all deserved better than this."

The affected newspapers include the Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, a daily paper that traced its roots back over a century and covered the bustling energy hub of Sweetwater County; the Green River Star, which focused on the neighboring community of Green River; and the Bridger Valley Pioneer in Lyman, serving the rural Bridger Valley area. Further north, the Pinedale Roundup and its companion, the Big Piney Examiner, have been vital for Sublette County, delivering news on everything from oil and gas developments to wildlife conservation. In eastern Wyoming, the Lingle Guide, Torrington Telegram, and Guernsey Gazette provided coverage for Goshen County, including agricultural updates, school events, and local politics. These papers, mostly weeklies with the exception of the Rocket-Miner, were not just information outlets but cornerstones of community identity, often the only places where local voices could be amplified.

The closures came with little warning. Adams Publishing Group, a Minnesota-based company that acquired these papers in recent years as part of a broader portfolio of regional media, cited ongoing financial challenges as the primary reason. In a statement, company executives pointed to declining advertising revenue, shrinking subscription bases, and the broader economic pressures facing print media in the digital age. The rise of online platforms has siphoned away classified ads and display revenue, while the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues by disrupting local businesses that once supported the papers through sponsorships. For instance, the Rock Springs Daily Rocket-Miner, which had been a daily publication since 1889, saw its circulation dwindle amid these shifts, forcing it to reduce print frequency in recent years. Despite efforts to adapt—such as enhancing online presence and community engagement—these measures proved insufficient against the tide of industry-wide contraction.

The human impact has been profound. Dozens of journalists, editors, photographers, and support staff found themselves out of work virtually overnight. One former editor, reflecting on the suddenness of the announcement, described it as a "gut punch" to the dedicated teams who poured their hearts into covering stories that mattered to their neighbors. In Rock Springs, the Rocket-Miner's closure means the loss of in-depth reporting on critical issues like the coal industry's decline and its ripple effects on families and the economy. Residents there have expressed fears that without local oversight, corruption or mismanagement in local government could go unchecked. Similarly, in Pinedale, the Roundup was known for its investigative pieces on environmental concerns, such as the impacts of fracking on public lands—a topic now at risk of falling into silence.

Community reactions have been swift and emotional. Local leaders, business owners, and readers have taken to social media and public forums to voice their dismay. One Rock Springs resident lamented, "This paper was more than ink on paper; it was our history, our voice. How do we hold our elected officials accountable now?" In Torrington, where the Telegram had been a fixture since the late 1800s, farmers and ranchers worry about the absence of agricultural market reports and weather updates tailored to their needs. The Guernsey Gazette, with its focus on small-town events like parades and veteran tributes, leaves a void in preserving cultural heritage. Even in more remote areas like Big Piney, the Examiner's closure disrupts the flow of information in a region where internet access can be spotty, making print media a lifeline for many.

This wave of closures is part of a larger crisis in American journalism, particularly in rural states like Wyoming, where vast distances and sparse populations make local news economically challenging. According to industry observers, more than 2,500 newspapers have closed nationwide since 2005, creating "news deserts" where residents rely on national outlets or social media for information—sources often rife with misinformation. In Wyoming, this exacerbates existing divides, as urban centers like Cheyenne and Casper retain some media presence, while rural areas are left underserved. The loss of these eight papers compounds the issue, potentially leading to lower voter turnout, reduced civic engagement, and a weakened sense of community.

Former staff members have shared poignant stories of their work's significance. A reporter from the Green River Star recalled covering a local hero's funeral, noting how the paper allowed the community to grieve collectively. Another from the Pinedale Roundup highlighted award-winning coverage of indigenous rights on the Wind River Reservation, stories that might not have seen the light of day without local journalists on the ground. These narratives underscore the irreplaceable role of community papers in fostering empathy and understanding among neighbors.

Looking ahead, some hope glimmers amid the despair. Community groups in affected areas are exploring alternatives, such as nonprofit news models or digital startups. For example, in Rock Springs, discussions are underway about launching an independent online newsletter to fill the gap. Statewide organizations like the Wyoming Press Association are advocating for legislative support, including tax incentives for local media or grants to sustain rural journalism. However, these efforts face uphill battles against entrenched economic realities.

Ultimately, the abrupt end of these eight newspapers serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of local news ecosystems. As one editorial from a surviving Wyoming paper put it, "We all deserved better than this—not just better notice, but a better commitment to the democratic necessity of a free press." The closures not only silence vital stories but also erode the fabric of Wyoming's communities, prompting urgent questions about how to preserve journalism in an era of relentless change. For now, residents are left to mourn the loss and seek new ways to stay connected in an increasingly disconnected world. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Wyoming News Article at:
[ https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/we-all-deserved-better-than-this-wyoming-abruptly-loses-eight-local-newspapers/article_35f1b3af-c77b-4d4d-847f-c2c9bc3e7020.html ]

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"We all deserved better than this": Wyoming abruptly loses eight local newspapers

Wyoming's Abrupt Loss of Eight Local Newspapers Leaves Communities Reeling