The Sabine County Reporter has stood as a pillar of local journalism for generations, but today we face a challenge that is shaking the foundation of the newspaper industry across the country. We want to be transparent with you—our loyal subscribers—about the hurdles we are currently navigating regarding the physical production of our newspaper.

The Perfect Storm: Shortages and Rising Costs

For the past year, the newspaper industry has been caught in a "perfect storm." Across North America, several major paper mills have permanently closed or shifted production away from newsprint, drastically reducing the available supply. Recent closures, such as the Thunder Bay mill in Canada and UPM’s Ettringen facility, have removed hundreds of thousands of tonnes of capacity from the market.

Compounding this supply shortage is the ongoing volatility of trade. With roughly 80% of American newsprint sourced from Canada, the looming threat and implementation of various tariffs have sent prices skyrocketing. Since early 2025, the cost of newsprint has nearly doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels, often exceeding $670 per metric ton.

Our Current Printing Challenge

These global pressures have local consequences. This week, our third-party printer—despite our weekly payments—demanded a significantly larger upfront payment to proceed with our print run. While we are exploring every available option to resolve this dispute and ensure the physical paper remains in your hands, it has forced us to lean more heavily on our digital infrastructure for the time being.

Protected by Texas Law

We have some good news to share amidst these challenges. Thanks to recently passed legislation—specifically Texas Senate Bill 1062—the Sabine County Reporter remains protected as a paper of record.

This new law recognizes that the world is changing. It allows newspapers to maintain their legal status and ability to publish official notices through digital editions, provided they meet specific criteria. Because we have maintained a weekly digital edition and a robust website since 2015, our status is secure. Your local news source isn't going anywhere; we are simply adapting to the modern era and a difficult economic climate.

How to Access Your News

If you are a current print subscriber, full digital access is already included in your subscription. We want to ensure you don't miss a single headline:

• Need a Log-in? If you haven’t set up your digital account yet, please call us. We can walk you through the process in minutes. Our office is currently open M-Thurs 7:30 am to 3 pm

• Forgot Your Info? If you have an account but can’t remember your credentials, we are happy to provide your username and password over the phone.

Please contact our office at 409-787-2172 for assistance.

We are incredibly grateful for your patience and continued support as we navigate these industry-wide shifts. Whether on paper or on a screen, our commitment to telling the stories of Sabine County remains our top priority. We will continue to keep you posted via our website and digital weekly publication.