The recent closure of a newspaper in Oregon highlights the precarious state of local journalism and the impact of financial mismanagement.The Eugene Weekly has made headlines for laying off its entire staff and halting print production following the revelation that a former employee embezzled a significant amount of funds. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can lead to the downfall of even long-standing publications.
Days before Christmas, the editor of The Eugene Weekly disclosed that a former employee, who handled finances, had improperly paid themselves $90,000 since 2022. Additionally, the paper faced over $100,000 in unpaid bills, raising concerns about its financial health. This situation not only affected the paper's operations but also left employees in a difficult position, as some discovered that their retirement contributions had not been deposited.
As a result of these financial issues, the paper was forced to lay off all ten of its staff members and cease printing altogether. The Eugene Police Department has since launched an investigation into the matter, with forensic accountants working to uncover the full extent of the embezzlement. This incident reflects a troubling trend for local newspapers across the United States, where many are struggling to survive.
According to a study by the Local News Initiative at Northwestern University, approximately 2.5 newspapers are closing each week, a stark increase from previous years. Over half of the counties in the U.S. have limited or no access to local news, leading to significant gaps in news coverage. Brent Walth, a journalism professor at the University of Oregon, expressed concern about the implications of the closure on local news availability in Oregon's third-largest city.
In an effort to raise funds and keep the paper alive, The Eugene Weekly has initiated a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over $26,000 within the first two days. The campaign's message emphasizes gratitude towards loyal readers and advertisers who have supported the publication throughout its history. As we navigate through these challenging times for local journalism, the community's support will be crucial in reviving and sustaining outlets like The Eugene Weekly.
