AJC abandons distribution in Madison Co.
BY ZACH MITCHAM
The Southeast’s largest newspaper can no longer be found in Madison County.
The Atlanta Journal and Constitution cut Madison County from its distribution list earlier this month, slashing its coverage area from 74 to 49 counties. Other northeast Georgia counties removed from the paper’s circulation list included Stephens, Franklin, Hart, Elbert, Oglethorpe and Wilkes.
The AJC said the action was necessary to “serve the greatest concentration of readers and advertisers while managing operating costs.”
“The way in which consumers get their news and information continues to evolve,” said Robert W. Eickhoff, AJC Senior Vice President of Operations. “We are changing as well, to ensure we continue to serve our readers and our advertisers in the metro Atlanta market as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
The AJC also eliminated 62 distribution jobs.
Jennifer A. Morrow, External Communications Manager for the AJC, said she did not have any specific numbers on Madison County subscribers affected by the change. She said the paper is offering refunds to those who can no longer receive the paper.
“Out of counties that were discontinued — 25 counties in total, approximately 7,000 subscribers and retailers were impacted daily and nearly 10,000 subscribers and retailers on Sunday,” said Morrow. “Again, these numbers are total from the 25 impacted counties. This number is not available by county.”
Company officials said they want to focus on the “core Atlanta market” and many of the “fastest growing counties in the state.”
Madison County residents can view AJC news online or make the trip to Clarke, Jackson or Banks counties to purchase a paper.
While the AJC cut service to 25 Georgia counties, the paper is still delivered to three North Carolina counties, as well as Glynn County in southeast Georgia.
