Anchorage Press plans return, with Northern Journal folding into revived paper

The Anchorage Press is preparing to come back, with Northern Journal folding into the revived publication over the next few months.

Northern Journal founder Nathaniel Herz wrote Tuesday that he and colleagues have "a deal to buy the assets of the Anchorage Press," the alternative weekly that published for about 30 years before an out-of-state media company effectively closed it a few years ago.

"Over the next few months, we'll work to bring the Press back to life, with ongoing digital publication culminating with a big launch party and our first print issue this fall," Herz wrote.

A revived AnchoragePress.com page says the publication is "almost" back and points readers to an announcement, a kickoff party, subscription sales, a support link, a hiring notice and contact emails for Veri di Suvero and Herz.

The move would bring back the Anchorage Press alternative weekly and merge it with Northern Journal, one of Alaska's digital news startups.

Herz wrote that Northern Journal's staff, archive and "journalistic DNA" will become part of the new Anchorage Press. Northern Journal correspondent Max Graham will also continue with the new organization, Herz wrote.

Northern Journal will operate as a hybrid platform during the transition, publishing both Northern Journal and Anchorage Press stories while the new Press builds toward a formal print and digital launch in the fall. Herz wrote that Northern Journal will cease to exist as a standalone entity at that point, though some of its elements may continue as a Press column or environmental coverage label.

Northern Journal launched in late 2022 as a subscription publication focused on Alaska government, politics, natural resources and remote communities. Herz wrote Tuesday that the site now has more than 700 paying members, has published about 280 stories and has reported in partnership with ProPublica, Alaska Public Media, the Anchorage Daily News, APM Reports, KYUK and others.

The new Press is aiming for a broader alt-weekly mission.

Herz wrote that the revived publication will continue Northern Journal-style reporting on Alaska natural resources, government and politics. He also described plans for Anchorage arts and culture coverage, recurring columns on food and romance, a community calendar, live events and print issues.

"The Anchorage Press seeks to inform and inspire Alaskans by telling stories with grit, wit and integrity," Herz wrote, quoting the publication's working mission statement. "We foster mutual understanding, connection and a shared vision across Alaska's broad geographies, politics and culture. We question authority, confront unpleasant truths and powerful interests, and celebrate Alaskan brilliance."