A historic snowstorm has prompted The Boston Globe to pause its print operations for the first time in 153 years, marking an unprecedented moment in the newspaper’s long history. This significant decision was necessary as conditions in Massachusetts deteriorated, with 32 inches of snow and dangerously high winds rendering the company’s printing facility in Taunton inaccessible.
On Tuesday, the newspaper announced through its digital platform that the severe winter storm made it impossible for employees to safely reach the printing facility, leading to the suspension of that day’s edition. The National Weather Service recorded extraordinary snowfall in the area, with Taunton being significantly impacted.
This event underlines the changing landscape of news consumption in the digital age. According to research by the Pew Research Center from 2025, only 7% of American adults engage with news through print media, highlighting the stark pivot towards digital platforms, where 56% frequently access news via smartphones, computers, or tablets.
While this is indeed the first time management has ordered a cessation of daily print operations, it is worth noting that the Globe experienced work stoppages in the past, particularly during the labor disputes of the 1950s and 1960s. Notably, during another significant storm nearly 50 years ago on February 7, 1978, the Globe managed to print thousands of copies, although subsequent delivery was severely hampered due to snow blocking distribution vehicles.
This week’s storm set new records for snowfall across the region, including at Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport, which reported almost 38 inches, surpassing the previous high set in 1978. In response to the interruption in print service, The Boston Globe has assured its print subscribers that they will receive Tuesday’s news content delivered along with Wednesday’s edition.
As the community digests the impact of this historic weather event, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by traditional media amid changing consumer habits and the increasing reliance on digital platforms for news delivery.