The Atlanta Journal Constitution, the subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc. will slash 156 jobs and reduce its circulation range to 27 counties around metro Atlanta in the latest round of cuts at the daily newspaper.

The company stated in a release that it would shed 22 counties from its circulation range and trim the equivalent of 56 full-time positions and 100 part-time jobs as it restructures its circulation department.

The AJC is not alone in its struggle during tough economic conditions. On Monday, Chicago-based Tribune Co. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which permits them to stay in business while restructuring billions in debt.

Newspapers nationwide have been seen advertising revenue plunge because of the economic downturn.

According to sources, starting Jan. 11 the AJC will no longer deliver to the following regions: Banks, Butts, Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Greene, Habersham, Haralson, Heard, Jackson, Lumpkin, Morgan, Pickens, Rabun, Spalding, Towns, Troup, Union, and White in Georgia, and Cherokee, Clay and Macon counties in North Carolina.

During the six-month period ending September, the newspaper’s circulation fell to 274,999 -- a 13.6 percent drop from the same period a year ago and the largest drop among major dailies.