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5 Shocking Transformations And Milestones Of The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal Newspaper In 2025

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The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal (LUS&J), a cornerstone of local journalism in Western New York, is navigating a period of significant change in late 2024 and 2025, marked by a major milestone and operational shifts. As of December 19, 2025, the newspaper, which serves Lockport and the broader Eastern Niagara County, continues its mission to deliver essential local news, public notices, and community coverage, albeit under a modified print schedule and a reorganized leadership structure following a major loss in its executive team. The paper’s resilience and dedication to the Lockport, New York community are particularly notable as it celebrates a remarkable bicentennial anniversary, a testament to its deep roots and enduring historical relevance. These recent developments underscore the complex challenges and unwavering commitment that define the modern local news landscape across the United States.

A Bicentennial Legacy and the Modern Media Shift

The history of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal is a fascinating narrative of mergers and evolution, tracing its origins back nearly 200 years to the earliest days of print in Niagara County. This longevity establishes the LUS&J as one of the oldest continually operating media entities in the region.

The Newspaper's Historical Profile

The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal is not a single entity but the result of a historical consolidation of local publications.
  • Current Name: Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
  • Type: Daily Newspaper (now published five days a week)
  • Format: Broadsheet
  • Primary Coverage Area: Lockport, New York, and Eastern Niagara County
  • Founding Era: Traces roots back to the early 1820s, with the 200th Anniversary officially commemorated in 2021.
  • Parent Company: Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. (CNHI)
  • Current Editor: Joyce Miles
  • Office Location: 135 Main Street, Lockport, NY 14094
The current iteration of the newspaper title is a combination of earlier papers, including the Lockport Daily Union/Sun, which was active from the mid-19th century. This rich background of local reporting has made the LUS&J an indispensable source for everything from obituaries and public notices to coverage of the Niagara County Legislature and local government affairs. The paper’s bicentennial celebration was even recognized by the New York State Senate, solidifying its place in the state’s historical record.

The Recent Operational Transformation: 5-Day Publication

In a move reflecting the broader economic and logistical pressures facing the print industry, the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal has recently adjusted its print frequency. This change is the most significant operational update for the paper in the current period.

Shift from Daily Print to Five-Day Schedule

For decades, the LUS&J was a true daily newspaper, providing six-day-a-week print coverage to its readership. However, recent information indicates a shift to a five-day-per-week print schedule. This adjustment is a common strategy employed by regional newspapers owned by large holding companies like Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. (CNHI) to manage rising costs associated with newsprint, printing, and distribution. While the print edition is no longer published on a traditional daily schedule, the commitment to seven-day-a-week news coverage remains through its robust digital platforms. Readers can access a full replica of the printed product, known as the Newsmemory e-edition, online every day, ensuring that breaking news and updates are still available around the clock. This hybrid model allows the LUS&J to maintain its function as the official newspaper of record for Lockport while adapting to modern consumption habits and financial realities.

The CNHI Ownership Context

The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal is part of the portfolio of CNHI, a major publisher of community newspapers across the United States. In May 2024, CNHI announced the sale of ten of its Southern newspapers and a print facility to Carpenter Media Group (CMG). While the LUS&J was not included in this specific sale, the transaction highlights the ongoing restructuring within the parent company. The December 27, 2024, deed transfer filed in the Niagara County Clerk's Office, which was noted in official county records alongside the Niagara Gazette, likely pertains to a real property or asset transfer related to CNHI’s regional holdings, rather than a full ownership change of the newspaper itself. Such transfers are often precursors to or components of larger corporate reorganizations, even if the paper’s primary ownership remains with CNHI.

Leadership and Editorial Commitment in 2025

The beginning of 2024 brought a significant loss to the regional leadership of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, reinforcing the paper's reliance on its dedicated local staff.

The Passing of a Regional Executive

In a somber note for the regional newspaper community, John Celestino, a respected regional executive for CNHI newspapers in New York and other states, passed away on January 26, 2024. Celestino had been listed as the Publisher of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, and his death necessitated a transition in the executive leadership overseeing the paper’s operations. Despite this loss, the paper's editorial direction remains anchored by long-standing local professionals. Joyce Miles continues to serve as the Editor, playing a crucial role in maintaining the paper's focus on essential local news, features, and community events in Lockport and surrounding areas. This steady editorial hand is vital for providing continuity and trust in a period of corporate and operational change.

The Enduring Role of Local Journalism

The Lockport Union-Sun & Journal remains the primary source of in-depth local reporting for Eastern Niagara County. Its continued operation, even with a reduced print schedule, is critical for:
  • Civic Engagement: Publishing official public notices and covering the proceedings of the City of Lockport and Niagara County government.
  • Community Records: Providing a crucial record of life events, including obituaries, weddings, and local milestones.
  • Historical Preservation: Serving as a living archive of Western New York history, a role highlighted by its 200th anniversary.
  • Economic Coverage: Reporting on local business developments, zoning changes, and economic projects, such as those related to the Erie Canal System which runs through Lockport.
In 2025, the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal stands as a powerful example of a legacy media entity successfully navigating the digital age. By focusing on its hyper-local coverage, leveraging its digital replica for daily updates, and celebrating its two-century-long connection to the community, the paper continues to fulfill its mission as a vital, trusted voice for the people of Lockport, NY.
5 Shocking Transformations and Milestones of the Lockport Union-Sun & Journal Newspaper in 2025
lockport union sun & journal newspaper
lockport union sun & journal newspaper

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