The cover of the final Local IQ edition.
Local IQ, an alt-weekly that focused on art and culture, told advertisers on Thursday that no more new issues would be printed. The last issue of the paper was a December 26 issue.
Albuquerque Business First first reported on the paper’s closure.
“In the end we realized that we weren’t reaching the goals we originally set for ourselves and the company at this point in the company’s lifespan,” she said. “There are many readers and advertisers who have been loyal to us and we want to thank them.”
Albuquerque Business First publisher Ian Anderson tweeted the email from Local IQ founder and publisher Francine Maher Hopper to advertisers.
Just got word that @iQLocal printed its last issue on December 26. Sorry to see it go. #ABQsIntelligentAlternative pic.twitter.com/faPbJlpm4x
— Ian Anderson (@_IanAnderson) January 9, 2015
Meanwhile, the AP has announced some changes to its structure in the state and the hire of a new reporter to cover the upcoming legislative session.
The AP announced on Thursday that reporter Susan Montoya Bryan will oversee breaking news and enterprise in the state.
In addition, the Vik Jolly will cover the legislative session for the AP. Jolly comes from California, having previously worked at the Orange County Register.
Jolly will take over from Barry Massey. Massey left the AP last year after 35 years, including 21 years of covering the legislative process in New Mexico. Massey is now the legislative liaison and spokesman for the Administrative Office of the Courts.
The wire service is picked up by many other news outlets throughout the state, making any changes something that will impact papers, TV and radio stations throughout the state.
