Citing effects of pandemic, City Pages to stop publication immediately

KSTP
[KSTP]

The free alt-weekly Twin Cities newspaper City Pages will cease its print and online publications.

Star Tribune Media Company, who owns the paper, made the announcement Wednesday, saying the change will take effect immediately.

The paper covered Twin Cities and Minnesota art, culture, politics and dining for more than 40 years.

In a statement released Wednesday, Star Tribune Media Company cited the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the paper’s revenue as the reason for the closure.

"Fortunately, the Star Tribune is in a strong position due to the majority of its revenue coming from digital and print subscriptions, complemented by support from a large base of regional and national advertisers," said Mike Klingensmith, publisher and CEO of Star Tribune Media Co. "By comparison, most of City Pages’ revenue comes from the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic: local dining, arts, and entertainment. The talented people of City Pages have poured their hearts into this unprecedented challenge. Obviously, this move is absolutely no reflection on their effort and commitment to City Pages."

The closure eliminated the positions at the paper. The alt-weekly’s last issue will be distributed this week.

After the announcement, a number of City Pages staffers spoke briefly about the closure on Twitter.

"It’s true, CP is done. i’m gutted, obviously. I love my friends and coworkers more than anything. I’m so proud of us and the work we’ve done," Editor in Chief Emily Cassel said.

"Nothing ever made me happier than my friends at City Pages," News Editor Mike Mullen said.

Music Editor Keith Harris said, "I cannot imagine what my life would’ve been like without City Pages. I started my writing career here. I made two generations of friends here. It offered me a chance to explore and learn about the Twin Cities. If I had a billion dollars (or even less) I’d have kept it in business."