By Nigel Pfunde
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JOHANNESBURG — City Press published its final edition this Sunday after a 44-year run as one of South Africa’s most recognized Sunday newspapers, Express Mail Zim has heard.
The closure follows years of financial constraints and a failed transition to digital.
In statement released Sunday, Media24, City Press’ parent company said the digital only model did not meet expectations after the print edition was stopped in December 2024.
“Falling ad revenue, declining readership and intense competition from social platforms made the operation unsustainable.
” The newsroom, once a hub for investigative journalism that exposed the arms deal, VBS, and state capture, is now being wound down.” said Media24.
Around 19 editorial jobs are affected. Media24 said it will try to limit job losses where possible.
While Media24 didn’t blame AI directly, the closure reflects pressure on legacy newsrooms from the rise of AI-generated content, social media and changing news consumption habits.
The company said City Press’ digital model inside News24 couldn’t sustain itself in that environment.
The parent company also runs News24 which remains profitable.
Unlike City Press, News24 has been purely digital since inception and now operates behind a paywall with over 200 000 subscribers. Media24 is consolidating its focus on digital brands that can survive in a post print market.
Launched in March 1982, City Press peaked at over 200 000 copies in print and was a key voice during and after apartheid. SANEF and political leaders, including South African Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, paid tribute to the paper’s role in holding power to account.
City Press joins, Beeld Rapport and Daily Sun which are all Media24 titles that have ended print operations since 2024.
