MetroTimes Struggling?

**Lowell** · August-08-12, 11:52 AM

The Free Press is not the only publication pulling in its fences. This week's Crain's DB carries an article on the challenges facing this long-running staple of the Detroit media sphere. The MT is encountering issues similar to those facing all news media and print media in particular. If publications like this cannot solve their revenue issues it yet will be another blow to quality journalism.

It begs the question, how can there be a model for rewarding journalism?

The article is a subscriber-only access so I will summarize the highlights.

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.

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...

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.

Metro Times can't avoid mainstream media woes
Depleted ads, depleted staff

By Bill Shea
Link if you happen to be a Crain's subscriber like me

**Hypestyles** · August-08-12, 01:34 PM

I wonder if they're looking for freelance help, interns, etc.

**Zozo** · August-08-12, 04:40 PM

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

**Hamtragedy** · August-08-12, 08:43 PM

I think their pieces on the incinerator, past and present, were far more thorough than the daily rags in this city, especially since I have to smell that shit daily. I have also found several of their investigative reports to be far more detailed and better written than the third grade drivel that comes out of the other two.

Calling it rubbish and not calling the dailies rubbish is unfair.

**Richard** · August-08-12, 11:56 PM

Crains will not allow a paid subscription unless you have a local address
Freep crashes my Mobile and tablet browsers with bad scripting
I have to read several different papers and piece it all together to
get somewhat of a full story , with no follow ups.
They wonder why?

**Detroitej72** · August-09-12, 09:43 AM

It's too bad because the Metro Times has broken many stories that the two dailies picked up on later. Also, how is Charlie LeDuff going to get his stories if the paper closes?

As for the advertising dollars drying up, we can thank our activist AG and his crusade to overturn the law that was passed by the people. Somebody needs to recall that clown, but that's another thread.

**downtownguy** · August-09-12, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Richard

Crains will not allow a paid subscription unless you have a local address

Not true. Crain's allows subscriptions from anywhere. Outside of Michigan pays a $20 premium, outside the country pays $68 premium.

**Det_ard** · August-09-12, 10:35 AM

I guess we need to put a proposal on the ballot to raise property taxes to subsidize the failing newspaper. After all, a publication that lives and dies by ad revenue from pot vendors and prostitutes is too valuable a gem to lose.

**Richard** · August-09-12, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by downtownguy

Not true. Crain's allows subscriptions from anywhere. Outside of Michigan pays a $20 premium, outside the country pays $68 premium.

I did a 4 week business trial ,when that expired the offer was

Crain's Online for only $36/year!
Stay on top of your job and your industry with an online subscription to THE business news authority of Southeastern Michigan. Now with the new and improved CrainsDetroit.com Mobile, you can be in-the-know and on-the-go!

they already had my info and I added my CC number to the account,it processed and replied a local address was required to subscribe if it did not this would be a non issue.

**KJ5** · August-10-12, 01:46 AM

Of course that birdcage liner Real Detroit is no doubt doing fine. One issue I counted the ads and they amounted to 70 out of 100 pages. That rag promotes alcohol abuse so much they ought to be required to hold back drunk chicks' hair while they puke their guts out.

**compn** · August-10-12, 10:55 AM

real detroit doesnt even have stuff to read in it.i saw metrotimes looking for delivery people. they have boxes everywhere!

**crainsdetroit** · August-10-12, 12:44 PM

Richard - My name is Eric Cedo and I handle subscriptions for Crain's Detroit Business. I apologize for the difficulty you've experienced with your subscription. I'd like to assist you personally with this issue. Please contact me at ecedo @ crain . com when you get a chance and I'll clear this issue up for you and add a couple of months to your subscription at no additional cost to you for your troubles.