Midcoast Villager Faces Staff Cuts to Stay Afloat

The Midcoast Villager announced a reduction of six employees, including its managing editor, last month as part of a cost‑saving plan. Publisher Aaron Britt said the decision was driven by financial necessity, not controversy. Three people opted for buyouts while three were laid off; the losses included two copy editors and three sales or advertising staff. Christine Simmonds, the former managing editor, accepted a role as associate editor at the Lincoln County News, a local weekly. She confirmed Britt’s explanation and expressed enthusiasm for continuing her work in community journalism. The paper began operations in September 2024 after merging four regional newspapers owned by Reade Brower. Brower also sold a portfolio of daily and weekly papers to a nonprofit in 2023 for $15 million. Initially, the Villager kept all staff from the merger to build a strong local outlet, but later added sales and marketing hires.Yet, as costs rose, the paper had to “get a little leaner, ” according to Britt. Britt projects profitability next year, noting that the Villager now outpaces the combined circulation and advertising revenue of its predecessor papers. The newsroom currently employs 29 people, sharing finance and HR services with Brower’s other businesses. Even after the recent cuts, the staff count is higher than it was at the merger’s start. The Villager has attracted national attention for its ambitious model, featuring a visually rich print weekly, narrative storytelling, and an on‑site café that supports the paper financially. Some residents feel it falls short of the depth of coverage offered by earlier local papers. A content‑sharing deal with the Bangor Daily News allows both outlets to publish each other’s articles while remaining independent. Britt assures there are no further layoffs planned, stating the necessary changes have been made and that the paper is moving forward.