Effective with the July 4 issue, the Homer News will cease being published in a tabloid format and begun publication as a broadsheet newspaper.

Started in January 1964, Homer’s oldest continuously published newspaper first appeared in April 1970 as a tabloid paper printed on newsprint with the dimensions of 11.5-by-17 inches. It had been previously been printed on 8.5-by-14-inch legal paper on a mimeograph machine.

“The new broadsheet format gives us more layout options and will result in better print quality,” said Homer News editor Michael Armstrong. “It will mean a cleaner, more modern look that reflects the growth and progress of the lower Kenai Peninsula over the last 49 years.”

With the new broadsheet format, the Homer News will remain 11.5 inches wide but will be 22.75 inches long — the same dimensions as its sister papers, the Peninsula Clarion and the Juneau Empire, also owned by Sound Publishing Inc. It also is the same format as the Chilkat Valley News of Haines, another Alaska weekly newspaper formerly in tabloid format now published as a broadsheet and printed at the Juneau Empire press.

“Sound Publishing has made a commitment to invest in our Homer readers, advertisers and communities,” said Homer News and Peninsula Clarion Publisher Jeff Hayden. “This latest investment will enlarge the size of our publication and enhance our content. We would like to thank local communities for their support.”

Because of the larger page format, the number of pages will decrease to either 20 or 16 pages depending on news and advertising content, with a four-page Real Estate & Business B section. The B section will include state and regional news.

Though ad rates will stay the same, the size of ads will increase slightly.

Call the office at 907-235-7767 with any questions or concerns.