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Detroit's daily newspapers are not the only local print media outlets struggling financially because of dwindling ad dollars and reduced distribution.
The weekly Metro Times alternative newspaper, a staple of Detroit's entertainment scene and known for its issues and culture reporting, has shrunk its distribution area and has almost half as many copies on the street as it did at the turn of the century.
It's also down to just four full-time editorial staffers.
The paper has been unprofitable for several years, even with a brief surge in medical marijuana advertising, said a source with knowledge of the newspaper's financial situation.
A surge of advertising created by the passage of the medical marijuana law has dissipated.
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Sexson [MT Publisher] did acknowledge that it was frustrating to see the burst of marijuana advertising revenue dry up as the state's attorney general and law enforcement have cracked down on the pot industry -- citing federal laws that allow seizure of medical marijuana despite a state law that permits it.
"It was a well-needed revenue stream, especially for classifieds," he said. "It was a significant amount of money. I'd love to have it back. We do still have some money from those revenue streams."
The numbers tell the story...
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The free tabloid, published every Wednesday from its office at 733 St. Antoine St. near Greektown Casino, was founded in 1980 and as of March reported a circulation of 59,979. It claims 701,400 weekly readers.
In 2010, the paper's weekly print run was 72,840, according to the "State of the News Media 2011" annual report from the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism. In 1999, it was about 110,000 copies.
In the past 24 months, Metro Times reduced its circulation area -- halting distribution in Windsor, Toledo and north of New Baltimore.
