Natural Death, Euthanasia, and Suicide: The Demise of Joint Operating Agreements

Abstract

Joint Operating Agreements between newspapers are permitted under an exemption to U.S. antitrust laws as a means of saving secondary newspapers and preserving editorial competition in cities. During the past two decades, however, the number of cities with papers under these arrangements has declined dramatically. This article explores the economic and business rationales behind their demise, the means used by publishers to end joint operations, and the implications of those processes.

Key Words:

• joint operating agreements
• competition policy
• concentration
• newspaper deaths