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Death of the Small Town Newspaper

By Elizabeth Martin-Ann

Real Estate Agent with Edward Surovell Realtors

March 23, 2009 08:11 AM

It was announced today that the Ann Arbor News will be closing it's doors in July after being the Ann Arbor Area's daily newspaper for 174 years.

They will be shifting their focus towards the Internet to AnnArbor.com just as real estate professionals have been doing for years. Although most homebuyers find their next house on the Internet and not from the newspapers, I still wonder how the effect of the newspaper closing will effect real estate in our area, if at all.

As for changing my business, all I have to do is delete a line in my marketing plan and will have more money available to invest in Internet marketing.

I do know one thing that will for sure happen as a result of the Ann Arbor News closing. I'll have to introduce my parents to the World Wide Web.

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Tom Boos

Sine & Monaghan Realtors, Real Living - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Providing the very best of service to Sellers and

Hi Elizabeth: I can't believe what's happening to the newspaper industry. The average readers age is 55!!!!

I think most Realtors agree that newspaper print ads are pretty much worthless these days. The Internet is truly "where it's at". But it still saddens me to see great newspapers disappearing or going totally electronic. There's nothing better for me in the morning than a strong cup of coffee and my morning paper.

Mar 23, 2009 08:42 AM

Michael Cole

CPG Tours - Corona, CA

Hi Elizabeth,

No doubt this is going on across this country. But you bring up an excellent point. There's still a whole generation of people out there who grew up with a printed newspaper, and losing that will be quite shock to them. In some ways, it's hard to believe we're seeing the end of an era. Thank you for your post.

Mar 23, 2009 11:31 AM

Elizabeth Martin-Ann

Edward Surovell Realtors - Ann Arbor, MI

Arbor, Michigan Realtor, ABR

Thanks for reading Tom and Michael! I am very sad about the newspaper but you are right and I am sure it is happeneing throughout the country.

Mar 23, 2009 01:47 PM

Mike Mitchell

Kee Realty - Saint Clair Shores, MI

REALTOR (R)

I saw that on the local news. That is a bummer, but I really feel bad about the people losing their jobs, we don't need anymore job loss in MI.

Mar 24, 2009 01:52 AM

Kathryn Acciari

Central One Federal Credit Union - Shrewsbury, MA

Mortgage Loan Originator

It's been a slow transition, but I now find myself drinking my coffee at my laptop most days except Sunday. Never thought it would happen but there it is. Our local paper continues to shrink but at least it has an online presence. If the paper disappears, I will miss the smell and feel of newsprint.

Mar 25, 2009 02:07 PM

Terry Lynch

LAR Notary and Closing Services - Saint Clair Shores, MI

Elizabeth

It's not just small newspapers. The Detroit News and Free Press are going to 3 Day home delivery this week. I'm sure it won't be long before they go to online only.

Mar 27, 2009 02:29 PM

Thanks for reading Mike, Kathryn and Terry! It has since been announced that AnnArbor.com is going to deliver two days a week on Thursdays and Sundays. We'll see how it works!

Mar 28, 2009 03:33 AM

Death of the Small Town Newspaper

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