Reflection on The Jersey Journal’s Closure and the Future of Local News

Dear Hudson County,

The recent news that The Jersey Journal will close in early 2025 marks a somber moment for our community. Admittedly, we’ve shared lighthearted jokes about their closure, but in all sincerity, the loss of such a long-standing publication is a serious blow for Hudson County. For generations, The Jersey Journal was woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods (literally, Journal Square is named after The Jersey Journal); countless residents still recall working as delivery kids, bringing the morning news to doorsteps across town. In its earlier years, it was a powerful voice for Hudson County—a platform that brought our stories to life.

As the media landscape shifted and national trends pushed local news to the sidelines, The Jersey Journal gradually lost its close connection with our community, impacted by rising paper costs and a steady decline in readership as people shifted to online news sources.

They weren’t the only ones affected; local outlets like The Hudson Reporter faced similar challenges, ultimately closing in 2023 before allegedly returning as an AI-powered website.

Hudson County is fortunate to still have other local outlets like Hudson County View, Slice of Culture, and Jersey City Times that serve the area’s media needs. Their work reminds us of the vital role that local news plays in keeping our communities informed and connected.

At HudPost, we’re committed to building on this tradition, and our goal is to bring Hudson County together by celebrating the people, culture, and stories that define us. Since our founding, we’ve been dedicated to highlighting small businesses, showcasing local artists, and sharing the unique experiences that make Hudson County, well, Hudson County.

For us, local journalism is about more than reporting news—it’s about creating a shared space for our community’s voices, values, and vision for the future.

Thank you for supporting HudPost and for valuing local journalism. We are here to keep Hudson County connected, and together, we’ll continue preserving the stories and culture that make our community so special.

Yours Truly,

James de los Santos, Publisher

HudPost