In March 2009, John Yemma, editor of The Christian Science Monitor, spoke publicly about the paper's historic decision to cease daily print publication — making it the first major US national daily to go fully digital. The move sent shockwaves through an industry already reeling from plummeting advertising revenue and readership declines.
The Decision
Yemma described the transition not as a retreat but as an advance. The Monitor would publish a robust daily website, a weekly print magazine for subscribers, and a daily email briefing. The goal was to reach more readers, not fewer — just through different channels.
Lessons for the Industry
The CSM's transition was closely watched by editors worldwide. Key takeaways included the importance of maintaining editorial quality during format changes, the need to invest in digital-native storytelling, and the reality that some audiences actually preferred the convenience of digital delivery.
Historical Significance
The Christian Science Monitor's shift proved prescient. While many predicted the move would lead to the paper's decline, the Monitor actually expanded its audience significantly in the years following the digital transition. By demonstrating that a respected news organization could thrive without a daily print edition, Yemma and his team provided a template that other publications would study for years to come.