New report details economic impact of Maine newspapers; press conference planned for Tuesday

What’s as big as Maine’s potato crop and offers food for thought? Maine newspapers.

A new report on the economic and fiscal impact of Maine’s newspaper industry shows the annual sales of Maine newspapers equal the value of Maine’s vaunted potato crop: $154 million.

The report was commissioned by the Maine Press Association and Maine Daily Newspaper Publisher’s Association. According to the study, Maine’s newspaper industry in 2010 also:

Employed 1,766 people, or approximately the same as Maine’s semiconductor industry;

  • Paid wages and benefits of $71.3 million;
  • Invested nearly $7 million in new buildings, vehicles and equipment;
  • Paid approximately $7.5 million in state and local taxes.

The economic ripple effect from Maine’s newspaper industry creates sales for Maine businesses of more than $307 million per year, supports 3,000-plus jobs with total wages of more than $142 million, and pays $12.7 million in state and local taxes, according to the study.

Maine newspapers have been critical to Maine’s economy for almost two centuries: They cover the news, link businesses to consumers and help readers navigate their days and enjoy their nights.

They are a cornerstone of our democracy – and they mean business.

Please join us at a press conference, 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, in the Welcome Center at the State House to learn more about this report and pending legislation that threatens the health and vibrancy of Maine’s newspapers.