Shortages Shut Down Venezuela's Oldest Newspaper, El Impulso

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Venezuela's oldest newspaper is shutting down because of a lack of newsprint and a difficult economic climate as the country grapples with chronic shortages.

El Impulso announced Wednesday that it will stop circulation because of falling advertising, mounting inflation and a lack of basic materials. The daily has reported on the western city of Barquisimeto for 110 years.

Venezuelan newspapers have long been beset by currency controls that make it difficult to import supplies. In recent months, large newspapers have reduced pages, while smaller publications have closed down.

At least nine Venezuelan regional newspapers have stopped circulation because of the shortages, according to journalism watchdog Public Space.

Meanwhile, the share of independent media has fallen, with opaque or government-friendly buyers taking over outlets and softening their editorial line.