The Reader on a Diet

Chicago's most famous alt-weekly, the Reader, is slimming down starting Oct. 5 when it changes from the quarter-fold format to a regular flat tabloid size, according to the Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-thu_phil_0913sep13,0,2454757.story). The free paper also has some additional cost-saving measures in mind, including reducing staff size and transitioning delivery drivers to independent contractors.

The changes come after the paper's recent sale to alt-weekly chain Creative Loafing, which bought the Reader in July. Like most others in the media business, the Reader's classified ad sales have plummeted with the advent of free online listings.