The Liverpool Post has announced “with the heaviest of hearts” that it will cease to publish the newspaper after next week, with December 19th being the final edition.
This is the final nail in the coffin for the Liverpool Post, sometimes affectionately known as ‘the old lady’, which has been on a steady decline since early 2012.
The paper has been produced as a daily publication since 1855, however due to the lack of circulation it was re-launched as a weekly paper in January 2012 to try and prolong its life.
In the current digital era and economical times it is almost inevitable that newspapers have begun to struggle in a highly competitive, ever-changing industry. It is a sad end for one of Liverpool’s most recognisable publications.
Trinity Mirror North West Managing Director, Steve Anderson Dixon, said in a statement: “Sadly, the Liverpool city region no longer generates the demand in terms of advertising or circulation, to sustain both the Post and the Liverpool Echo.”
No journalist jobs will be lost in the closing of the Liverpool Post and some elements of the business pages will survive in sister paper, the Liverpool Echo. The website will also close on the 19th the same day as the newspaper.
The editor of the paper, Mark Thomas, who came in to LJMU to speak about his experiences throughout his career last month, was saddened by the decision.
He said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to edit this great newspaper and having to share this news with its readers is without doubt the saddest moment of my professional career. I am very proud of all the journalists who have worked alongside me on the Liverpool Post. This is no reflection on them.”
Mr Thomas signed off by saying: “On behalf of the team I would like to thank all our loyal readers for their support and encouragement over the years, and I hope they understand how difficult this decision has been for all of us.”
The closure of one of Liverpool’s longest running papers provoked reaction on Twitter. Liam Fitzsimmons founder and editor of @Lmedianews tweeted: “Very sad to hear @DailyPostNews is closing down on December 19th. Liverpool journalism has lost a great institution!”
Meanwhile, Liam Fogarty, a former BBC journalist and independent politician in the 2012 mayoral elections, focused on the impact on Trinity Mirror’s other publication in the city, The Echo. He tweeted: “Post’s demise should prompt a re-think at the Echo, too. Fewer scumbags & celebs and more REAL local issues, please.”
The closure of the Daily Post has also seen a reaction on the comments section of the Liverpool Echo’s website, with several readers commenting on the loss of part of the city’s news landscape.
Keith Shepherd wrote: “The Daily Post is a Liverpool institution. It will be a sad day when it ceases publication. I will miss the old lady a lot. Farewell my old friend.” Whilst Norma Curtis commented: “This is a sad piece of news. Another legend of Merseyside lost.”