A powerful blizzard forced management at The Boston Globe to suspend printing its newspaper for the first time in its 153-year history, underscoring the severity of the storm that paralyzed much of the region. Hazardous travel conditions, heavy snowfall, and safety concerns for employees led executives to halt production of the print edition.
Historic disruption: The decision marks an unprecedented moment for The Boston Globe, which has continued publishing through wars, economic downturns, and previous extreme weather events. Company officials said the move was necessary to protect press operators, delivery drivers, and newsroom staff as roads became impassable.
Operational challenges: Printing facilities and distribution networks were significantly impacted by the blizzard, which dumped large amounts of snow across Massachusetts and surrounding states. Delivery routes were suspended as state and local authorities advised residents to remain off the roads.
“The safety of our employees and partners comes first,” Globe management said in a statement announcing the temporary suspension of print operations.
The Boston Globe
Digital continuity: Despite the halt in physical production, the newspaper continued publishing online, providing storm coverage and updates to readers through its digital platforms. The situation highlighted the growing role of digital news delivery during emergencies.
Regional impact: The blizzard caused widespread disruptions across the Northeast, including flight cancellations, school closures, and business shutdowns. Utility crews worked to restore power in affected communities as cleanup efforts began.
Looking ahead: Globe officials indicated that print operations would resume once conditions improved and transportation networks were deemed safe. The rare suspension reflects the extraordinary scale of the storm and its impact on long-standing institutions.
A record-setting snowstorm has prompted managers of The Boston Globe to call off printing their daily newspaper for the first time in its 153-year-old history. Snow and winds prevented staff from safely getting to the Globe printing plant to print Tuesday’s paper, the newspaper said in an article on its website. Parts of Massachusetts’ Bristol County, where the Globe’s printing press in Taunton is located, recorded 32 inches (81 centimeters) of snow by Monday night, the National Weather Service said. Readers are much less reliant on newsprint for their news in today’s internet age. A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 7% of U.S. adults often got their news from printed newspapers or magazines. That’s compared to 56% who said they often got their news from a smartphone, computer or tablet.
