The Star-Ledger of Newark, New Jersey, was published on Wednesday without any Associated Press copy.  At this stage, it is still unclear as to why the paper chose to run without AP.  Sources close to the newspaper have pointed towards either a protest over AP's controversial new rates that began in January, or that it is a test to see if the paper can run without AP copy, the world's largest newsgathering source, as a means to cut-costs.  


Other dailies, such as The Bakersfield Californian, The Star Tribune of Minneapolis, The Post Register of Idaho Falls, the Yakima Herald-Republic and Wenatchee World of Washington have notified AP of their plans to discontinue the news service.

Paul Colford, AP spokesman, released a statement to Editor and Publisher, "We understand that The Star-Ledger and the media industry as a whole are facing difficult financial challenges and that in this environment many newspapers are experimenting with news priorities and with their presentation of news. The Associated Press has been working with all members of the cooperative, including The Star-Ledger, to determine their needs and to ensure that the AP news report retains its value to them and their readers. Member Choice, the content and pricing initiative rolled out this summer, was in fact developed as a response to member requests for simpler content and pricing options."


Sources:  Editor and Publisher, Poynter, Buzz Machine

See Also:
US regionals turn away from AP to focus on local reporting
US: In-depth news service to enter the market in 2009
AP offers members free access to Outsell Inc.
US: Cancellation notices and disagreements weight on AP