Newsprint consumption reaches lowest point

Total newsprint consumption in the United States plummeted 27.1 percent year-over-year in August, exceeding the decline year-to-date low of 25.6 percent, according to data released by the Pulp and Paper Products Council (PPPC), Editor & Publisher reported today. Also, after improving in July, mill operating rates again fell in August.

At least one newspaper has felt a positive impact from the consequential price decrease. Gannett Chief Financial Officer Gracia Martore said in a statement that although Gannett's newspaper advertising revenue was down 32 percent from the year before in the second quarter, the significantly lower newsprint expense resulted in a substantial decline in its operating expenses.