Star Tribune rescinds cancellation of AP membership

Posted by Emma Heald on December 10, 2009 at 5:22 PM

The Minneapolis Star Tribune has rescinded its cancellation of its Associated Press membership but will be using a more limited service, reported MinnPost and Editor & Publisher. The paper submitted the notice more than a year ago.

Editor Nancy Barnes' memo, reproduced in MinnPost, states that the paper intends to experiment with the limited service for a while, "and see if it is sufficient when combined with our other premium wire services, such as the New York Times, WSJ and the Washington Post." She added that "we have flexibility to change if we need to." Spokesman Ben Taylor told MinnPost that the paper is paying for the complete sports and business packages.

The memo also notes that a reorganization plan that will involve buyouts will be outlined in early January. Additionally, it mentions that an East metro bureau will be opened by March.

As newspapers face financial difficulties as a result of the advertising slump, many have considered dropping the AP wire service as a way to save money. Last month, the Tribune Co decided to trial reporting without the aide of the AP for a week. The AP announced shortly after, however, that fifty out of approximately 180 newspapers had withdrawn their cancellation notices. The organisation has lowered its rates to try to encourage its members to stay.

Source: MinnPost, Editor & Publisher