Media bodies warn of a possible democratic and industry fallout as Newsday moves to close its operations.

The impending closure of the local daily newspaper after 32 years of publication has triggered an outpouring of concern from media practitioners and regional organisations. Many have described the development as a major blow to journalism, media diversity and democratic discourse in TT and the wider Caribbean. On January 9, the company announced that it petitioned the High Court to wind up operations and the first hearing is on January 19.

The TT Publishers and Broadcasters Association (TTPBA) said it was saddened by the news that the newspaper was winding down operations. It described the loss as the result of a convergence of economic, technological and structural pressures affecting the media industry.