Why is New Sabah Times ceasing publication after 60 years?

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New Sabah Times Ceases Publication Due to Declining Circulation and Advertising Revenue

The New Sabah Times is ceasing publication after more than six decades, with its final edition to be printed on December 31st. This decision stems from a significant decline in both circulation numbers and advertising revenue, factors that have increasingly challenged traditional print media. The newspaper's closure marks the end of an era for one of Sabah's long-standing news sources, highlighting broader industry trends.
Economic Pressures Force Closure

The primary drivers behind the New Sabah Times' cessation are a sharp reduction in its readership base and a corresponding decrease in advertising income. These economic pressures have rendered the publication unsustainable, leading to the difficult decision to cease operations. The paper's managing editor, Felix Gusti, cited these financial challenges as the principal reasons for the closure.
Historical Context and Previous Revival

The publication has a long and complex history, originally founded in 1949 as the Kinabalu Times and later known as the Sabah Times. It experienced a previous shutdown on March 24, 1995, before being revived on March 8, 1998, as the New Sabah Times following its acquisition by Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd. This earlier revival underscores the publication's historical significance and its previous resilience in the face of adversity.
Broader Industry Challenges

The closure of the New Sabah Times reflects a global trend affecting newspapers worldwide, largely attributed to the pervasive influence and competition from social media platforms. This shift in media consumption patterns has impacted revenue streams and readership for many print publications, making it increasingly difficult to maintain operations. The newspaper's closure leaves only English-language newspapers like the Daily Express and Borneo Post available in the state.
Staff Compensation and Legacy

In light of the closure, staff members at the New Sabah Times have been offered three months' pay as compensation. Former journalists and editors recall the newspaper as a vital training ground and a chronicler of Sabah's historical events, particularly from the 1960s through the early 1990s. The name "Sabah Times" itself is deeply ingrained in the local consciousness, often used colloquially to refer to newspapers in general, signifying its profound impact on the community.

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Why is New Sabah Times ceasing publication after 60 years?

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