There are concerns coverage of local issues in some communities could be worse off after Fairfax NZ announced plans to either sell or close many of its community and rural newspapers.
The company announced yesterday it would close or sell 28 rural or community papers, including in Otago and Southland.
The southern newspapers affected are the Invercargill Eye, Otago Southland Farmer, Clutha Leader, Queenstown Mirror, NewsLink and Waitaki Herald.
Up to 60 staff could be affected.
Groups and individuals have come out against the move, including Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker and Rural Women New Zealand.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the closure of the Clutha Leader, the only community newspaper in the area, would be a major blow.
''It's the facts and the figures. It's what's happening at school, all that information that's been provided through the ages. It's almost inconceivable that it's not going to be here.''
He hoped someone would buy the 124-year-old paper.
Allied Press, the family company that publishes the Otago Daily Times, has backed its commitment to community and rural newspapers.
Allied Press chief executive officer Grant McKenzie reinforced the importance of print in reaction to the Fairfax decision.
''Newspapers are at the heart of many of these communities and we value the connection we have with our audience and advertisers.
''The decision by Fairfax may present some opportunities for Allied Press, but most of those markets are already well served by our titles.
''Allied Press titles have a close connection and vital role to play in the communities they serve.
''The Fairfax decision does not change our commitment or desire to grow our audience.
''Allied Press has 13 titles providing vital community news and information from North Canterbury to Invercargill.
''Our commitment to these titles remains strong.''
It is understood Fairfax reporters affected by the announcement only learned of the decision by email yesterday.
A Fairfax reporter commented on the ODT's Facebook page that the move showed Fairfax did not care about smaller communities.
Fairfax Media chief executive Sinead Boucher denied that was the case and said the company would report on rural and community news through its website.
As the announcement was ''market sensitive'' the company had had to wait for its overall results to be made public yesterday, she said.
