The Star-Ledger and The Record announced today that they are combining their statehouse bureaus, calling the new team of reporters “the largest in the nation” for a state capital. 

Both papers, known to compete fiercely for scoops, have hit tough times with the economic downturn, and have recently taken cost saving measures from buying out 40% of newsroom staff in the Ledger’s case to closing newsrooms and making reporters go mobile at The Record.  

“At a time when newspapers have had to cut back news staffs, this cooperation allows us to pool resources and better serve all our readers,” Jim Willse, editor of The Star Ledger, in a press release.

Combined, the two papers will have a statehouse staff of 11.

“Sharing coverage while maintaining two distinct news operations is a common-sense response to the changing media landscape,” said Record editor Frank Scandale. “It will strengthen the content of both papers.”

The papers' closest competitor in circulation, Gannett, slashed its Trenton buraeu down to just two staffers late last year.