Cortland Standard Cites Rising Operating Costs, Tariffs, and Dropping Subscription Rate For Closure

Causes for the Cortland Standard to cease publication were cited as rising costs, a 25% tariff on newsprint, and a dropping subscription rate. The Cortland Standard was in operation for over 150 years before Publisher and Owner, Evan Geibel told employees on Wednesday that it was their last day and the paper would have its final edition the following day, Thursday, March 13th.

“Even now, I desperately want this to work. But I know it can’t. Our print readership continues to decline, and our digital subscriptions have grown too slowly to make up the difference. Advertisers increasingly want to focus their marketing efforts online, at much lower prices. The cost of essential software goes up every year. The cost of fuel is up. The cost of newsprint is up. I can’t afford to pay my people what they’re worth. I can’t afford to publish this newspaper any more.” Geibel said in a letter to readers.

In an effort to save money, printing at the Cortland Standard at 110 Main Street in Downtown Cortland ended in August of last year. The company moved all printing to a printer based in Oswego County. Geibel noted in his message to readers he had hoped the move would allow the business some “wiggle room.”

The Cortland Standard employed 17 people at the time of its closing; all of whom are now out of a job. The Cortland Standard Printing Co. will officially file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy is typically called a “liquidation bankruptcy” which is a legal process that allows a business to discharge a majority of its debts by liquidating assets to pay their creditors.

“It has been my honor to serve you. This [is] my hometown, and I love it here. I hope the news and information we’ve provided have helped you make your life better, or improve your neighborhood. I hope we’ve made our community better by telling its stories. I’m so very proud to have had a part in the Cortland Standard’s nearly 158 years of history. Thank you.” Geibel said in his last message to readers.