In an encouraging reversal of trends in Colorado’s local print news industry, a new printing press has opened! The Trust Press, a commercial printing facility launched by the National Trust for Local News to address the skyrocketing costs of producing local news in Colorado, is now operational. The new press is printing the publications of Colorado Community Media, also owned by the National Trust, and will begin printing dozens of other local and ethnic newspapers in the new year.
“We’re excited that this path-breaking idea is finally a reality in Colorado,” said Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, CEO and Co-founder of the National Trust. “Print newspapers are still valued, particularly in rural and underrepresented communities. We are proud to launch this affordable and sustainable printing solution that will strengthen local and ethnic news organizations across Colorado.”
“The launch of this community-owned, community-serving press is an example of what can be achieved when a state’s local news ecosystem collaborates to assess the scope of a shared challenge, identify opportunities for solutions, and coordinate funding, management, and accessibility for such an ambitious project.” said Sam Moody, Associate Director of the Colorado Media Project.
The nonprofit National Trust launched the Trust Press in response to rising printing costs in Colorado that threatened to put small news organizations out of business, and a report commissionsed by Colorado Media Project and produced as part of the Future of Printing Working Group, an industry initiative led by the Colorado Press Association (CPA) and the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab) throughout 2023. The Trust Press is estimated to save local publishers at least $500,000 in 2025 compared to existing printing options, and was made possible by philanthropic support from the Colorado Media Project and its funder table, including Bohemian Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, and The Colorado Trust. The National Trust is continuing to fundraise to support the Trust Press, with roughly $700,000 remaining to reach the project’s overall goal of $1.7 million.
“Gates Family Foundation is grateful for the partners that rallied to make this new printing solution possible,” said Thomas A. Gougeon, President of Gates Family Foundation. “While the future of news is digital, a local and affordable way to support print publications is an essential bridge to that future. We hope that this press will support smaller, local publishers on the Front Range in a way that is more affordable, more mission aligned, and more supportive of the local news ecosystem in Colorado.”
“The opening of the Trust Press by the National Trust for Local News is an exciting milestone for the revitalization of local news — not only in Colorado, but nationwide,” said Melissa Milios Davis, Network Manager of Press Forward and former Director of the Colorado Media Project. “It demonstrates how philanthropic investment can strengthen the infrastructure of an entire ecosystem of small, independent newsrooms, as well as the broad range of communities that rely upon them for local news and information.”
“Access to trustworthy information is essential for healthy communities. This trust goes beyond the news itself – it involves relationships, community building, and formats that provide easy access to information, including print materials,” said Johanna Ulloa, Senior Advocacy Manager for The Colorado Trust. “By supporting the Trust Press, we are excited to help strengthen the information ecosystem in Colorado.”
The centerpiece of the Trust Press is a four-tower DGM 430 Press purpose-built for the smaller print runs that most local independent publishers now demand. The printing facility is located in northeast Denver and has already created five full-time jobs, with more expected in 2025.
"We have heard from so many local publishers here in Colorado who are struggling to find an affordable printing solution, and I am excited to serve them at the Trust Press,” said Kevin Smalley, Director of the Trust Press. “We have a great team and first-rate facility in place. We’re already printing 100,000 copies per week and will soon offer affordable printing services that support a wide range of publications and the communities they serve.”
Looking to Print with the Trust Press?
Publishers or commercial printing customers interested in the Trust Press are encouraged to email printing@coloradocommunitymedia.com for more information.