The Times of Trenton: A Legacy of Local Journalism
For over 140 years, The Times (also known as The Times of Trenton or The Trenton Times) has served as a primary news source for Trenton and the Mercer County area of New Jersey. With a deep focus on the New Jersey state government, the publication has navigated the volatile landscape of American print media, evolving from a traditional daily paper into a digital-first news organization.
The publication is currently owned by Advance Publications and operates under the leadership of Publisher Joan Mason and Editor Matt Dowling. Throughout its history, it has been a central figure in one of the smallest markets in the United States to support two competing daily newspapers.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1882
- Ownership: Advance Publications (Newhouse family)
- Service Area: Trenton and Mercer County, New Jersey
- ISSN: 8750-9083
- Current Status: Transitioning to all-digital format by February 2, 2025
- Notable Competition: The Trentonian
A Turbulent History of Ownership
Founded in 1882, the paper was managed by the Kerney family for several decades before being sold to The Washington Post Company in 1974 for $16 million. During this era, the paper faced stiff competition from The Trentonian, a tabloid founded in 1945 by striking employees of The Times.
The Washington Post Company attempted to pivot The Times toward a more serious national and international focus. However, local readers preferred the community-centric approach of The Trentonian. This struggle was so pronounced that Katharine Graham, chairman of The Post, famously referred to her experience with the paper as her "Vietnam."
Transitions and Restructuring
In October 1981, Allbritton Communications Company purchased the paper for between $10 million and $12 million. This period was marked by significant staff reductions and the elimination of the evening edition in December 1981. In 1985, the word "Trenton" was briefly removed from the title to attract a broader suburban audience in Princeton and Burlington County.
The trajectory changed in December 1986 when Advance Publications, owned by the Newhouse family, acquired the paper for $50 million. By 1987, the revitalized publication surpassed The Trentonian in both daily and Sunday paid circulation, a lead it maintained well into the 21st century.
Operational Shifts and the Digital Era
The physical presence of the newspaper underwent a dramatic change in 2011 when its historic Perry Street headquarters were sold due to severe decay. The building eventually found a new purpose; after a brief stint as a charter school, it became the home of Trenton's 9th Grade Academy.
Operationally, printing was outsourced to the Staten Island Advance. The newsroom relocated to leased offices at River View Plaza. While the paper experienced a period of resilience—dubbed "the Times Miracle" by former publisher Sheila Gallagher-Montone—it eventually faced the industry-wide trend of declining print revenue and subsequent layoffs.
The publication has also served as a training ground for literary talent, with former reporters such as John Katzenbach, Christina Hoag, and Lenore Look going on to become successful novelists.
The End of Print
Following the general decline of print media, The Times announced the cessation of its Saturday print edition on September 14, 2023. Most recently, on October 31, 2024, the organization announced that it will cease all print production entirely on February 2, 2025, moving to a fully digital model.
Publication Summary
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1882 |
| Current Owner | Advance Publications |
| Primary Focus | Trenton, Mercer County, and NJ Government |
| Historical Circulation (Daily) | 77,405 |
| Historical Circulation (Sunday) | 88,336 |
| Print End Date | February 2, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who currently owns The Times of Trenton?
The newspaper is owned by Advance Publications, a privately held company owned by the Newhouse family.
When will the print edition of the paper officially end?
The paper announced that it will cease production of its print edition entirely on February 2, 2025.
What happened to the former headquarters on Perry Street?
After being sold in 2011, the building was renovated and is currently occupied by Trenton's 9th Grade Academy.
Who was the primary competitor of The Times?
Its primary competitor was The Trentonian, a tabloid newspaper founded in 1945 by former employees of The Times who had been on strike.
Why did Katharine Graham call the paper her "Vietnam"?
She used this term to describe the extreme difficulty and failure of The Washington Post Company's efforts to make the paper a national-focused publication while losing circulation to the locally-focused Trentonian.