Sad News From The New York Times

We are deeply saddened by this announcement from The New York Times:

“As of August 29th, The Times will discontinue the regional editions of the Metropolitan section of The New York Times, which includes Connecticut, Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey. Those areas will receive the Metropolitan edition that currently circulates in the five boroughs.” This news hit arts organizations in the Tri-state region like a thunder bolt.

For many years, the metropolitan region has benefitted from The Times’ reviews of local theater productions, critics’ insights into art exhibitions and general coverage of arts and culture in our region. It is the major way that nearly 500,000 households get their information on what to do and where to go not only in Westchester but in the entire Tri-State region. While the print sections may be no longer economically viable, the coverage is vital. Arts and business leaders are urging The Times to consider maintaining or expanding its coverage of these activities in the digital arena.

There is an explosion of diverse, inclusive and compelling cultural events and venues in our county.  Reporting on them is important to families, youth and seniors because it builds participation in community life. It strengthens the American ideal that the arts are for everyone. Moreover, the arts and culture bring people together and encourage civic dialogue.

ArtsWestchester, along with business and cultural leaders from Westchester, the Hudson Valley, Connecticut and New Jersey, has asked The Times to find a way, perhaps digitally, to continue to report on news from our region. If you believe as we do that The Times coverage is important, let us hear from you at jlangsam@artswestchester.org, or reach out to The Times: Public Editor Liz Spayd (public@nytimes.com) or (publiceditor.blog.nytimes.com) or Metro Editor Wendell Jamieson (metro@nytimes.com).