The Capital Times - Switch To The Internet

Switch To The Internet

On February 7, 2008, with The Capital Times facing declining circulation (a problem facing the newspaper industry in general and afternoon dailies in particular), the paper announced it would cease daily print publication April 26, 2008. From that point, it would "shift its focus" to regular news updates on its website, captimes.com, as well as publish a more widely distributed free weekly print edition. As of the April 30, 2008 edition, The Capital Times appears twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, in a 48-page tabloid format (moving from its long-time broadsheet style) that is included with the Wisconsin State Journal and distributed free at newsstands in the Madison area. The move gained national attention as it involved a prominent daily newspaper shifting to full-time electronic news distribution while at the same time keeping a traditional (albeit non-daily) newspaper format.

The two Capital Times editions have distinct formats:

• The Wednesday edition is a traditional news-and-opinion format, with more in-depth reportage, analysis, and regular columnists.
• The Thursday edition runs under the name 77 Square (for the number of square miles within the city of Madison), and feature entertainment and lifestyle articles and listings (replacing the Thursday "Rhythm" section that appeared in both the Capital Times and State Journal).

As part of the move, The Capital Times saw its staff reduced from about 64 to 44 positions, with 20 additional printing and distributing positions at Capital Newspapers eliminated. Among the prominent staffers departing the paper were associate editor Joe Hart and features columnist Doug Moe (who moved to the State Journal in the same role). Capital Times executive editor Paul Fanlund took the title of editor, while editor Dave Zweifel became editor emeritus; Zweifel had been with the paper since 1962 and editor since 1983.