Black Boston newspaper closes, at least temporarily

Posted by Simon Day on July 8, 2009 at 1:00 PM

Boston African-American newspaper, The Bay State Banner, has had to suspended publication after 44 years and cut 12 employees, according to an Associated Press article on Tuesday.

Publisher and editor Melvin Miller sighted the financial climate and the ongoing decline in advertising revenue as the precursor for the weekly newspapers at least temporary closure.

Miller, who is also the papers founder, said the economic downturn had extended past the newspapers financial preparation and he could not afford to invest anymore of his own money. Whether the paper reopens is a matter of finding potential investors but miller said he would not be "twisting arms" for money.

"When you do something for so long, people think ... that no matter what happens the Banner is going to be there," Miller said. "Now everybody has to be confronted with the idea that it's either people step up and do what they have to do or else the Banner will be gone forever."

Jeffrey Berry, professor of political science at Tufts University, said the loss of the newspaper would see the end of an important ethnic voice for the city.

"It has given voice to a particular community that's been chronically ignored by the local media," Berry said. "If it closes, the city will be losing its lifeblood."

Governor Patrick spoke of the newspapers presence in the city's history and its contribution to the state's civic life.

"I wish them every kind of encouragement as they work to weather these difficult economic times like so many other companies and media outlets throughout Massachusetts," Patrick said in a statement.

The paper had a weekly circulation of 34,000.