By: Joe Strupp The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch became the latest paper to give notice to the Associated Press that it plans to drop the service.
In an item on his blog, Editor Ben Marrison told readers he had informed AP of the plan, setting a Jan. 17, 2011, date for the change.
In a letter to Eva Parziale, AP's Ohio bureau chief, Marrison also requested that AP stop circulating Dispatch content to nearby competing news outlets.
"The changes to AP?s rate structure were not as substantial as we were led to believe or that we need to maintain our service. Given the choice of maintaining our staff or AP?s service, it?s in the best interests of our operation to maintain our local reporting staff,? the letter stated, according to Marrison?s blog. "In addition, we ask AP to cease transmitting our content to any AP member within 30 miles of the Columbus city limits as permitted in the bylaws.?
The Dispatch is the latest in a string of newspapers that have given notice to the news cooperative following the announcement of a new rate structure just over a year ago. The new rate plan is set to take effect in January.
Earlier this week, Tribune Co. confirmed it had given notice that each of its nine daily papers may drop the service in two years. AP requires member papers to give two-year's notice before cutting the service.
"We have enjoyed our relationship with AP and its staff,? Marrison?s letter ended. ?On behalf of those who have had the pleasure of working with you and your team, I thank you for your friendship over the years. I wish AP and its staff continued success in the future."
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