Monitoring progress

The 100-year-old Christian Science Monitor plans to replace its daily print edition with an online publication in April 2009. It will be the first American national newspaper to do so.

Margaret Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science Church, started the newspaper in 1908 after her church was attacked by journalists, in particular by Joseph Pulitzer, after whom the prestigious Pulitzer Prize was named. Eddy’s goal was to achieve a journalism that would “injure no man, but bless all mankind”. Although the newspaper has been subsidized by the Christian Science Church for most of its history, it has a reputation for balanced, independent journalism and has been awarded seven Pulitzer Prizes.

Throughout the news industry, publications are struggling with the changes brought about by the internet, as well as by rising costs of newsprint and transportation. The Monitor, being small, has been particularly hard hit.

“Eliminating the major production and distribution costs of a daily newspaper will allow The Monitor to make progress toward achieving financial sustainability,” says Monitor editor John Yemma. He adds that, by going online and so expanding The Monitor’s reach, it will “better fulfil Mrs Eddy’s original vision".