Chicago Defender drops weekly print

The Chicago Defender is stopping print publication. The Chicago-based African-American paper will continue in digital format, parent Real Times Media announced. The last weekly edition will hit newsstands July 10. The brand will begin publishing daily content related to issues most pressing to the African American community in Chicago on July 11 at www.chicagodefender.com.

The move to digital was additionally prompted by data showing that the vast majority of Chicago Defender readers already consume its content on digital platforms, said a news release from Real Times Media.

“We love creating a printed product. In fact, our newspapers in Detroit and Pittsburgh continue to perform well, so we still believe in the power of print. But in Chicago, it is just no longer the best way to get our readers the stories they want,” said Hiram E. Jackson, CEO.

The brand will continue to highlight pivotal moments via special print editions, the release said. 

The publication will retain its existing editorial and management staff and continue to offer its Men of Excellence and Women of Excellence events and activities surrounding the Bud Billiken Parade.

Real Times Media has plans to continue digitization and licensing of the Chicago Defender archives via partnerships that will generate significant revenue for the brand through 2029, the release said.

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