(Editor’s note: Has your newspaper adjusted its employees’ work schedules, shifted to remote work, lowered paywalls, or made any other coronavirus-related changes? Let us know by emailing Jordan Schelling and we’ll add you to the list.)
Across the state, Wisconsin Newspaper Association members are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of not only their employees but also their communities amid ongoing coronavirus concerns. The first move for many of these newspapers has been making their coverage of COVID-19 free, lowering paywalls in the interest of public safety.
Newsrooms have begun having employees work remotely, limiting potential exposure and the spread of the virus. Newspaper offices around the state also are closing their doors to the public during this time.
Here is a look at how several Wisconsin newspapers are handling the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Adams Publishing Group newspapers, including the (Eau Claire) Leader-Telegram are lowering their paywalls for coverage of COVID-19, making all related stories available to the public for free. Many APG publications, including the Watertown Daily Times and Beloit Daily News, have closed their offices to the public, instructing readers to contact them by phone or email instead.
- In Janesville, The Gazette building downtown and the printing facility on the city’s east side have been closed to the public. Customers needing assistance are directed to a list of phone numbers on The Gazette website. The Gazette also is compiling local coverage of coronavirus at gazettextra.com/news/health_care/coronavirus/.
- The Ripon Commonwealth Press is helping readers follow the latest on COVID-19 by compiling a daily list of news, changes and cancellations updated throughout the day.
- Multi Media Channels publisher Patrick Wood published a letter addressing readers on Monday, noting the company’s commitment to covering the outbreak objectively, sharing the facts they know and avoiding hysteria.
- During this time of uncertainty, some newspapers like the Superior Telegram are preparing for the possibility of not being able to print and deliver newspapers. In preparation for that scenario, the Telegram is encouraging readers to be sure they have activated the digital portion of their subscription, where news coverage will continue regardless of any limits imposed on printing operations.
- At the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison, employees have been instructed to work from home if they have health or scheduling concerns and the newspaper is taking measures to disinfect the working areas of its facilities. The newspaper is also providing free access to all COVID-19 coverage and offering a daily coronavirus newsletter. Other Lee Enterprises newspapers are following a similar approach, including The Journal Times in Racine and the La Crosse Tribune.
- USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin newspapers, which includes the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Green Bay Press-Gazette and The Post-Crescent in Appleton, are among those offering coronavirus coverage free to all readers. They’ve also moved primarily to remote operations, with most staff working from home.
