Owner Thomas Guengerich said the newspaper’s financial situation is unsustainable and that the outlook for the future does not seem to look any brighter.
“I want to sincerely thank all the people who have been faithful readers of the Mountain Mail for many years,” Guengerich said. “Hearing positive feedback from people in all communities in Socorro and Catron counties was the most gratifying part of being involved with the Mountain Mail.”
He also expressed thanks to all the contributing writers and photographers who have helped produce the newspaper over the years.
Over the past year, the newspaper’s advertising revenues have continued to slip in every area. Cost-cutting measures, such as eliminating full-color printing, were not enough to make a difference. While readership remains strong with only a small decrease in subscriptions over the past year, the advertising revenues have fallen dramatically.
“The decision to close the doors and stop publishing was very difficult,” Guengerich said, “In the end, going out of business is regrettable, but the best choice. We had a good run, but it’s time to call it quits.”
The last edition of the Express will be published next Monday, Sept. 14. The Magdalena Mountain Mail was first published in 1980. Valley Independent Publishing purchased the newspaper in 2002.
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I was saddened to read that the Magdalena Mountain Mail had ceased publication. For years, the newspaper had been our way of recruiting employees for those medical & human services that Presbyterian Medical Services provides in the area. It will be difficult for us to replace the Mountain Mail. In reading the paper, it was evident that Tom Guengerich and has staff were dedicated to keeping the community and surrounding areas informed.
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