Rocky Mountain News publishes final edition

updated 5:50 a.m. ET Feb. 27, 2009

DENVER - Questions about the future of the Rocky Mountain News had become so common, the newspaper's staff put up a handwritten paper sign on the news desk that said, "We don't know."

On Thursday, someone wrote over it in heavy black marker: "Now we know."

Colorado's oldest newspaper, which launched in Denver in 1859, printed its last edition Friday, leaving The Denver Post as the only daily newspaper in town.

"Goodbye, Colorado," read the headline on a 52-page commemorative edition wrapping the regular newspaper. "STOP THE PRESSES," read the front-page headline inside.

The E.W. Scripps Co., which owns the News, said Thursday the newspaper lost $16 million last year and the company was unable to find a viable buyer since announcing a sale Dec. 4.

"Today the Rocky Mountain News, long the leading voice in Denver, becomes a victim of changing times in our industry and huge economic challenges," Scripps CEO Rich Boehne said Thursday.

The News is the latest — and largest — newspaper to fail in a recession that has been especially brutal for the industry amid falling ad revenue.

Four owners of 33 U.S. daily newspapers have sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the past 2 1/2 months. A number of other newspapers are up for sale.

'It's hard losing the best job in the world'
In the newsroom Thursday, News editors chose a photo for the front page of the final edition as Publisher and Editor John Temple hugged a tearful photographer.

In another corner, interactive producer Duncan Taylor blared an aria from "The Magic Flute" from his computer, a running dig at photographer Judy DeHaas' cell phone ring.

Dennis Schroeder, a News photographer for 25 years, said some of his colleagues were angry but others were relieved that Scripps executives decided on the newspaper's fate after weeks of uncertainty.

"It's hard losing the best job in the world," he said.

The special section highlighted some of the newspaper's best work, including Pulitzer Prize-winning stories and photos. The final edition had a print run of about 350,000 copies, up from the regular daily circulation of 210,000 and 457,000 on Saturdays.

"It's very rare that you get to play the music at your own funeral, so you want to make sure you do it well," Temple said.

Scripps' Boehne said the News' 230 editorial employees would be paid through April 28. The Post said it will hire 10 News staffers, including five columnists, four reporters and the editorial page editor.

One of those reporters, Lynn Bartels, said she would miss sitting beside her News colleagues. "The Rocky is the most amazing family," she said.

Bartels held a box of tissues over her head and called out, "This is for everybody."

MORE FROM MEDIA BIZ

Media biz Section Front

AOL goes it alone in split with Time Warner 12 companies that ace Twitter GE reaches deal with Comcast for NBC Comcast-NBC will face tough antitrust review NBC timeline: Key dates in its history Comcast, NBC Universal compared GE returns to its roots as it spins off NBC Google allows publishers to limit free content Struggling Tribune Co. names new CEO Source: GE, Comcast reach NBCU deal Media biz Section Front   Add Media biz headlines to your news reader: