January 3, 2000 Web posted at: 9:19 PM EST (0219 GMT)
TUCSON, Arizona (AP) -- The city's two daily newspapers will no longer allow individuals to sell guns through classified advertisements.
The Arizona Daily Star announced its policy change Sunday, and The Tucson Citizen's editor and publisher confirmed a similar policy Monday.
In a front-page notice to readers, Jane Amari, the Star's editor and publisher, said there was concern that people buying guns through classifieds circumvent background checks now required by law.
"In an age of increasing gun violence, it is difficult to defend our part in the transaction," Amari's notice said.
Both newspapers will continue to accept ads placed by registered gun dealers.
Don Hatfield, editor and publisher of the Citizen, said the policy change is intended to help keep guns from falling into the wrong hands -- but not to stem the sale of guns.
The newspapers have separate newsrooms and editorial policies, but have a joint operating agreement for their circulation, production and advertising departments. The morning newspaper, the Star, is owned by the Pulitzer Publishing Co. and the evening Citizen is owned by Gannett Co. Inc.