Ogle, Lee County’s communities blindsided by sudden closure of newspapers

ROCHELLE, Ill. (WTVO) — News Media Corporation has unexpectedly ceased operations, leaving several areas, including Ogle and Lee Counties, without access to local newspapers.

The corporation cited financial challenges, significant economic downturn in the industry, revenue losses and increased expenses as just some of the reasons for its closure, according to a press release.

The company owned Ogle County Life and Rochelle News Leader.

Many Ogle County residents were shocked to find out one of its longtime local news sources will no longer be available.

“To have an avenue, like a newspaper, has always been important to the small communities,” said Flagg Township Museum Director Jan Devore.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows explained. “They’ve been a long-term paper here in our town for 50 plus years… This was a real shock to a lot of folks… I’m not sure anybody really on the outside saw this coming.”

One Ogle County local learned of the closure through social media.

“We have, like, the local Rochelle Facebook page, and people started posting about them just closing the doors,” said Katie McCoy.

“We don’t have the newspaper. We can’t rely on some printed media to supply us with that information that we think is important to kind of gather and share as part of the museum,” Devore said.

McCoy is also worried about the journalists’ and employees’ livelihoods.

“What happens to them. They still have bills to pay,” said McCoy. “Hopefully, everyone finds a replacement job.”

The mayor hopes another company will be able to take over operations.

“I don’t really know what the future plans are for them or anyone else coming in, but I would hope, for a town of 10,000, we end up with someone doing a local paper. It’s extremely important for our residents,” Bearrows concluded.