After more than 157 years in print, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution will publish its final physical edition on December 31, 2025, marking a historic shift to an exclusively digital model beginning January 1. The move reflects the rapid evolution of media consumption and the newspaper’s effort to invest more heavily in digital journalism.
The AJC, long a staple of Atlanta and the Southeast, announced the transition in August, citing a surge in digital engagement that outpaced print readership. Publisher Andrew Morse said the shift allows the organization to redirect resources toward expanding reporting staff, producing podcasts, newsletters, and video content, and enhancing the website and mobile app experience.
“The digital audience has already surpassed print significantly,” Morse said in a statement via the AJC. “This move enables us to focus on delivering high-quality journalism where our readers are consuming it most.”
Founded as The Atlanta Constitution in 1868 and later merging with The Atlanta Journal (founded 1883) in 2001, the AJC has been part of Cox Enterprises since the mid-20th century. Over its long history, the newspaper grew into one of the region’s most influential publications, though circulation has declined from over 600,000 at its early-2000s peak.
At the time of the announcement, the AJC reported approximately 115,000 paid subscribers: 75,000 digital-only and roughly 40,000 still receiving print. The company aims to grow its digital subscriber base to 500,000, offering plans starting at $9.99 per month or $99 annually. Print subscribers were encouraged to transition to digital services, including an ePaper replica replicating the layout of the former print edition.
The shift has had workforce implications, with around 30 full- and part-time roles tied to print production and distribution eliminated. Despite the reductions, the AJC emphasized that local journalism will remain a priority, with ongoing reporting on metro Atlanta communities, state politics, and regional news.
Across the country, newspapers have increasingly embraced digital platforms in response to declining print circulation and the need to capture audiences and revenue online.
“This isn’t about stepping away from local journalism,” Morse said. “It’s about evolving to deliver it more effectively in a digital-first era.”
As the AJC enters its digital-only chapter, readers can access coverage through AJC.com, newsletters, podcasts, video features, and mobile apps.
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How can I get a copy of the final printed edition of the AJC?
You are hurting the older population who have grown up reading the newspaper daily. Some of us do not have computers and have to go to friends’ homes or the library which will be the next to go. To say it in a few words, shame on you who made this decision.