Summary Box: Movie theaters cut back on printing listings in newspapers as more go to Web

Summary Box: Theaters reduce newspapers listings

WHAT’S PLAYING?: Some of the country’s largest theater chains have reduced or eliminated the small-type newspaper listings showing the start times for movies at individual theaters. The chains say they no longer want to pay for the listings and that many of their customers are getting such information online anyway.

HOLD THE BUTTER: Newspapers say ad revenue from movie listings is relatively small. Yet every dollar counts as newspapers struggle amid the recession. Plus, movie listings are something readers routinely look for, and they may be more likely to stop reading the newspaper if the listings aren’t there.

COMING ATTRACTIONS?: Industry observers say filmgoers are relying more on the Internet for their movie information and newspapers need to keep up or risk losing the business faster and permanently. Others say it’s the theaters that’ll ultimately get hurt by losing visibility and market share to shows and clubs.