Courts Pave Way for Review-Journal’s Move (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas — The Las Vegas Review-Journal ended its decades-long practice of printing the Las Vegas Sun as an insert earlier this month, prompting a range of reactions from readers.[1][2] One particularly memorable response arrived in the form of a humorous letter that lamented the loss not for its journalism, but for its practical everyday applications. Published on April 7, the note from local resident Andy Windes quickly stood out amid serious debates over the newspapers’ joint operating agreement.[3]
Courts Pave Way for Review-Journal’s Move
The Review-Journal halted printing of the Sun insert on April 3, following a series of court rulings that declared the newspapers’ joint operating agreement unenforceable.[2] Courts determined the 2005 amendment to the agreement lacked required approval from the U.S. attorney general under the 1970 Newspaper Preservation Act. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this finding, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the Sun’s appeal.
This decision capped more than six years of litigation sparked when the Review-Journal sought to terminate the arrangement in 2019. The editorial board explained that continuing the agreement would have been unlawful. They noted the partnership had become economically unsustainable, with the Review-Journal subsidizing production while the Sun ran non-local content and campaigned against Review-Journal subscriptions.[2]
Windes’ Witty Appeal Steals the Show
Andy Windes of Las Vegas penned a letter titled “A heartfelt plea” that took a satirical approach to the controversy. He urged Review-Journal publishers to reconsider ending the agreement “legal considerations notwithstanding.” Windes highlighted the Sun section’s “essential services for the community,” listing its roles over 20 years as a fly swatter, fish wrap, and bird-cage liner.[3]
He added a personal touch, noting his habit of placing the Sun’s “Where I Stand” column under his parakeet’s perch. Windes closed by expressing trust that his appeal would receive “thoughtful consideration.” The letter’s humor provided levity to a contentious issue rooted in legal and financial disputes.
- Fly swatter: Ideal for quick pest control.
- Fish wrap: Perfect for wrapping fresh catches.
- Bird-cage liner: Especially the opinion section, per Windes.
Other Voices Weigh In on the Change
Not all reactions matched Windes’ sarcasm. Camille Kozlowski of Las Vegas expressed deep disappointment in a letter titled “Sun goes down,” published April 6. She subscribed primarily for access to diverse viewpoints from both papers and warned she might seek alternatives if the Sun remained absent.[4]
The Sun’s legal team echoed concerns about community impact. Attorney Leif Reid described the halt as “irreparable harm,” arguing no one benefits from blocking a local newspaper’s publication. Sun COO Robert Cauthorn noted staff prepared print pages in anticipation of a court hearing on April 4.[1] The Review-Journal countered that the Sun could continue online, with hundreds of thousands of social media followers, and encouraged it to print independently.
A Storied Rivalry Under One Roof
The Las Vegas Sun launched in 1950, founded by the Greenspun family amid labor tensions with the then-Clark County Review. The papers entered a joint operating agreement in 1989, sharing business operations while keeping separate newsrooms. A 2005 amendment turned the Sun into a daily morning insert in the Review-Journal.[1]
Joint operating agreements once numbered nearly 30 nationwide but dwindled with the rise of digital media. By early 2026, the Las Vegas arrangement stood as the last in the U.S. The Review-Journal, established in 1909 and known for conservative editorials, and the liberal-leaning Sun represented contrasting voices in Southern Nevada news.
| Newspaper | Founded | Editorial Lean |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Review-Journal | 1909 | Conservative |
| Las Vegas Sun | 1950 | Liberal |
What Lies Ahead for Local News
The shift leaves the Sun to navigate a digital-only landscape, free from the Review-Journal’s printing press but facing industry challenges. Readers now turn to websites and social platforms for Sun content. The episode underscores broader trends in print media’s decline and the quest for sustainable models.
While Windes’ letter brought smiles, it also evoked nostalgia for tangible newsprint. The Review-Journal affirmed the Sun’s voice persists online, urging it to compete on merit.[2]
Key Takeaways:
- Courts ruled the joint operating agreement unenforceable due to missing federal approval.
- Print Sun insert ended April 3, 2026, after Supreme Court declined appeal.
- Readers react with humor, disappointment, and concerns over diverse viewpoints.
As Las Vegas news consumers adapt, the blend of satire and sincerity in these letters reflects the passion for local journalism. What role will print play in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments.
