GRAND RAPIDS, MI — MLive Media Group is ending publication of the Advance Weeklies, seven weekly publications that provide news coverage of suburban communities in the Grand Rapids region.
The final editions will be delivered on Jan. 27.
In addition, the On the Town entertainment listing guide will cease publication in February, and the Mature Lifestyles monthly guide will be folded into regular sections of The Grand Rapids Press.
Dan Gaydou, president of MLive Media Group, said the cost of publishing the products exceeded the company’s ability to sustain production.
“Regretfully, this will result in job loss, and impacted employees of the Advance Weeklies’ team along with a few members of the distribution force have been notified,” he said. “However, we remain committed to our core mission of producing great local news and will continue to cover these communities on MLive.com as well as in The Grand Rapids Press print editions.”
Gaydou declined to specify the number of people who will lose their jobs.
The Advance Weeklies being eliminated are: Southwest Advance, Grand Valley Advance, Cadence Advance, Northeast Advance, Northwest Advance, Penasee Globe Advance and Southeast Advance. They covered communities ranging from East Grand Rapids and Ada to Wyoming, Bryon Center, Grandville, Wayland and more.
Gaydou also announced that in February those who currently receive the Advance Weeklies will begin getting MLive Media Group’s Michigan’s Best print product, which already is distributed in many parts of the state. The Michigan’s Best print product features news on the best restaurants, food, entertainment and other local and statewide business and people.
“These changes reflect the popularity of Michigan’s Best features and a desire to celebrate our communities and highlight the best that each has to offer,” he said.
Readers also will be notified of the changes in editions of the Advance Weeklies.