The publisher of the New Journal and Guide announced Thursday that the newspaper would be suspending its publication until further notice because of challenges during the coronavirus pandemic.
“For the New Journal and Guide, a small business with a dedicated mission, it is not business as usual,” Brenda Andrews, owner and publisher, said in an email.
Andrews said the advertisers have canceled payments, and some of the publication’s distribution locations — small businesses and churches — have closed.
The April 16 issue will be the last one released until further notice. Andrews said she hopes to resume publication on or before June 4.
The newspaper’s 120th anniversary gala was also postponed from May 17 until Sept. 13.
“As Publisher, my greatest concerns at this time are for the health and safety of my staff and their families and for the economic viability of this business affected adversely by the global health crisis,” Andrews said.
She called the situation a “temporary setback” and said the newspaper expects to rebound.
Andrews previously told a Virginian-Pilot reporter that the paper, which publishes weekly on Thursdays, was the oldest black-owned business in Norfolk.
Jessica Nolte, 757-247-4513, jnolte@dailypress.com
