Bay Area residents better get ready for a makeover to their local newspapers.

On Tuesday, Bay Area News Group President and Publisher, Sharon Ryan, announced some major shake ups to all of their publications beginning on April 5. In an open letter to BANG readers, Ryan announced the Contra Costa Times, East County Times, West County Times, Tri Valley Times, San Ramon Valley Times, Oakland Tribune, The Daily Review and The Argus would be merged to create one publication called the East Bay Times. Ryan also said the San Jose Mercury News and the San Mateo County Times would merge to form The Mercury News.

Ryan said the changes were prompted by, “a desire to sharpen our content offerings and are supported by extensive research conducted last fall in which readers requested a focus on regional news that impacts their daily lives.”

Check out the next issue of The Pioneer for full coverage of this story.