Boston Globe Suspends Print Production for First Time in Over 150 Years Amid Historic Blizzard
In an unprecedented move, managers of The Boston Globe called off the printing of its daily newspaper on Tuesday, marking the first such cancellation in the publication's 153-year history. This decision was forced by a record-setting snowstorm that made it impossible for staff to safely travel to the printing plant in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Snowstorm Halts Operations at Printing Facility
The newspaper announced on its website that heavy snow and strong winds prevented employees from reaching the Globe's printing press located in Bristol County. According to the National Weather Service, parts of this area recorded up to 32 inches (81 centimetres) of snow by Monday night, creating hazardous conditions.
Founded in 1872 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, The Boston Globe has weathered numerous challenges over the decades, including labor strikes in the 1950s and 1960s that temporarily halted production. However, Tuesday's event stands out as the first management-led cancellation of daily printing since its inception.
Historical Context and Previous Weather Challenges
The Globe highlighted a contrast with a similar blizzard nearly five decades ago. In February 1978, the newspaper managed to print a few thousand copies during another record-setting storm. However, most of those papers never reached readers because snow piles blocked delivery trucks from traveling more than a mile or two from the building.
This week's blizzard also broke records in nearby Rhode Island, where T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick received nearly 38 inches (96.5 centimetres) of snow, surpassing the 1978 record. The Globe assured print subscribers that Tuesday's edition would be delivered on Wednesday instead.
Declining Reliance on Print Media in the Digital Age
This incident underscores the broader shift away from print newspapers in today's internet-driven world. A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 7% of US adults often get their news from printed newspapers or magazines. In contrast, 56% reported frequently accessing news via smartphones, computers, or tablets, highlighting the growing dominance of digital platforms.
The temporary halt in print production serves as a reminder of how extreme weather can disrupt traditional media operations, even as the industry increasingly pivots to online distribution to meet modern reader preferences.
