After more than a century of serving the Demopolis community, The Demopolis Times has officially ceased publication. The newspaper announced its closure this week, marking the end of a long-running institution that chronicled the life and events of Marengo County since the 19th century.
Founded in 1887 by C.A. Berbeck, The Demopolis Times served the area for 137 years. Over the decades, it was led by a series of respected owners, including Edward S. Cornish, Ben and Libba George, Hollis Curl, and Jim McKay. In 1979, the paper was purchased by Boone Newspapers Inc., under the leadership of James B. Boone, Jr., son of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Buford Boone.
The Boone family operated the paper through Boone Newsmedia, Inc. until May 1, 2025, when it was sold to JM Media Group, LLC. The new owners, Jeff and Michelle Schumacher, brought a combined 45 years of experience in the newspaper industry and acquired three other Alabama newspapers along with the Times.
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Originally published daily, the paper had in recent years transitioned to a weekly print edition, released on Wednesdays, reflecting industry-wide changes in readership and advertising trends. Despite the format change, The Demopolis Times remained active in the community, earning numerous awards from the Alabama Press Association and contributing to local civic and arts initiatives.
The closure comes amid broader challenges facing the newspaper industry. In 2023, the Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile’s Press-Register ended their print editions and moved entirely online. Other smaller papers, such as the Geneva County Reaper, have also ceased publication in recent years.
With its final edition published, The Demopolis Times concludes a significant chapter in Alabama journalism history, remembered for its longstanding commitment to informing and serving its local community.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
