Historic Black Newspapers Are Struggling as Readers Turn to the Web

By: Danielle Wright | bet.com

Another historic Black-owned newspaper has let some of its own go.  

The executive editor, news editor and other staffers of the Chicago Defender were laid off this week as one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned newspaper tries to stay afloat.  

The newspaper is months behind on its rent and, in response, was forced to lay off  six of its staff. Of those given pink slips were the only two editors left of the diminished staff of 18 and an accounts receivables staffer. Additionally, the paper’s only photographer was moved from full-to-part time.