<PAGE>


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               UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q

[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998
                                              
                                       OR

[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

               For the transition period from ______ to ______

                         Commission File Number: 1-12955



                            JOURNAL REGISTER COMPANY
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                    Delaware                                22-3498615
               ------------------                         --------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation            (I.R.S. Employer
or organization)                                        Identification No.)

50 West State Street,  Trenton,  New Jersey                 08608-1298
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                    (zip code)

                                 (609) 396-2200
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                 Not Applicable
          -------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X]  No  [ ]

Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest  practicable date: common stock, $.01 par value -
48,437,500 shares outstanding as of May 14, 1998.



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<PAGE>


                            JOURNAL REGISTER COMPANY

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q



                                                                        Page No.
                                                                        --------

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION



   Item 1.    Financial Statements:

              Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 1998
                 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1997....................     2-3

              Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months
                  ended  March 31, 1998 and 1997 (Unaudited)..........     4

              Consolidated  Statements  of Cash Flows for the three 
                  months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (Unaudited)....     5

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)..     6


   Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......     7-9

   Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
                  Risk................................................     10

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

   Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.......................................     10

   Item 2.    Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds...............     10

   Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.........................     10

   Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.....     10

   Item 5.    Other Information.......................................     10

   Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K........................     10

   Signature..........................................................     10


<PAGE>

                            Journal Register Company
                           Consolidated Balance Sheets
               (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




                                                     March 31,  December 31,
                                                       1998         1997
                                                   -----------  ------------
Assets                                              (Unaudited)
   Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                      $  11,076      $  8,183
    Accounts receivable, less allowance for
      doubtful accounts of $4,768 at March 31, 
      1998 and $4,055 at December 31, 1997            47,379        48,675
    Inventories                                       11,066         9,865
    Deferred income taxes                              5,821         6,444
    Other current assets                               4,668         4,666
                                                   ---------     ---------
     Total current assets                             80,010        77,833
                                                   ---------     ---------

   Property, plant and  equipment:
    Land                                               7,567         7,567
    Buildings and improvements                        60,989        60,685
    Machinery and equipment                          150,165       148,605
                                                   ---------     ---------
                                                     218,721       216,857
    Less accumulated depreciation                   (126,219)     (124,237)
                                                   ---------     ---------
     Property, plant and equipment, net               92,502        92,620

   Intangible and other assets, net of accumulated
     amortization of $25,611 at March 31, 1998 and 
     $23,973 at December 31, 1997                    193,615       157,478
                                                   ---------     ---------

Total assets                                       $ 366,127     $ 327,931
                                                   =========     =========


                             See accompanying notes.

                                        2

<PAGE>

                            Journal Register Company
                           Consolidated Balance Sheets
               (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)



                                                     March 31,  December 31,
                                                       1998          1997
                                                    ----------- ------------
                                                    (Unaudited)
Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit
   Current liabilities:
    Current maturities of long-term debt             $  59,228   $  57,060
    Accounts payable                                    12,172       9,277
    Income taxes payable                                   574         535
    Accrued interest                                     4,913       5,067
    Deferred subscription revenue                        7,044       6,539
    Other accrued expenses and current liabilities      21,996      17,616
                                                     ---------   ---------
     Total current liabilities                         105,927      96,094

   Senior debt, less current maturities                453,398     433,714
   Deferred income taxes                                 8,536       8,049
   Accrued retiree benefits and other liabilities       16,661      20,641
   Income taxes payable                                 39,286      35,675

   Commitments and contingencies
                                                     ---------   ---------
     Total liabilities                                 623,808     594,173
                                                     ---------   ---------

   Stockholders'  deficit
    Common stock, $.01 par value, 300,000,000 
      shares authorized and 48,437,500 shares 
      issued and outstanding                               484         484
    Additional paid-in capital                         358,234     358,234
    Accumulated deficit                               (616,399)   (624,960)
                                                     ---------   ---------
     Net stockholders' deficit                        (257,681)   (266,242)
                                                     ---------   ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit          $ 366,127   $ 327,931
                                                     =========   =========



                             See accompanying notes.

                                        3

<PAGE>

                            Journal Register Company
                        Consolidated Statements of Income
                                   (Unaudited)
               (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)




                                                    Three months ended
                                                          March 31,
                                                  ------------------------
                                                     1998          1997
                                                  ----------    ----------
Revenues:
   Advertising                                    $   63,940    $   60,419
   Circulation                                        20,134        19,830
                                                  ----------    ----------
   Newspaper revenues                                 84,074        80,249
   Commercial printing and other                       5,587         2,791
                                                  ----------    ----------
                                                      89,661        83,040
Operating expenses:
   Salaries and employee benefits                     30,912        28,663
   Newsprint, ink and printing charges                11,896         9,130
   Selling, general and administrative                 8,158         7,641
   Depreciation and amortization                       4,939         5,418
   Other                                              11,454         9,543
                                                  ----------    ----------
                                                      67,359        60,395
                                                  ----------    ----------
   Operating  income                                  22,302        22,645

Other income (expense):
   Interest expense                                   (8,691)      (12,960)
   Interest income                                        18            13
   Other                                                 (25)          (42)
                                                  ----------    ----------
Income before provision for income taxes              13,604         9,656

Provision for income taxes                             5,041         3,932
                                                  ----------    ----------
    Net income                                    $    8,563    $    5,724
                                                  ==========    ==========

Net income per common share (basic and dilutive)  $     0.18    $       --
                                                  ==========    ==========
Weighted average common shares outstanding        48,437,500            --
                                                  ==========    ==========

Pro forma net income per common share                     --    $     0.15
                                                  ==========    ==========
Pro forma weighted average
   common shares outstanding                              --    37,962,500
                                                  ==========    ==========



                             See accompanying notes.

                                        4
<PAGE>

                            Journal Register Company
                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (In thousands)


                                                    Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                    ----------------------------
                                                       1998               1997
                                                    ---------          ---------

Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                       $  8,563           $  5,724
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to
      net cash provided by operating activities:
      Provision for losses on accounts receivable        618                524
      Depreciation and amortization                    4,939              5,418
      Net (gain) on sale of property, plant &
        equipment and other assets                        (4)              (139)
      Increase in income taxes payable                 3,650              1,889
      (Decrease) in accrued interest                    (154)              (228)
      Increase in deferred income taxes                1,110              1,011
      Decrease in accounts receivable                  1,858              1,624
      (Increase) in inventories                       (1,154)               (82)
      Increase  in accounts payable                    2,763                490
      Increase (decrease)  in deferred subscription
        revenue                                          179               (277)
      (Decrease) in accrued retiree benefits and
        other liabilities                             (3,980)              (472)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets, net of
        increase (decrease) in other liabilities         905             (1,043)
                                                    ---------          ---------
    Net cash provided by operating activities         19,293             14,439
                                                    ---------          ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
   Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment       5                338
   Additions to property, plant and equipment         (2,171)            (1,531)
   Purchase of newspaper properties                  (36,086)                --
                                                    ---------          ---------
    Net cash used in investing activities            (38,252)            (1,193)
                                                    ---------          ---------
Cash flows from financing activities: 
   Proceeds from issuance of debt:
     Senior debt                                      39,000                 --
     Accretion on subordinated notes                      --                822
   Repayment of senior debt                          (17,148)           (16,535)
                                                    ---------          ---------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing
       activities                                     21,852            (15,713)
                                                    ---------          ---------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents       2,893             (2,467)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period         8,183              8,546
                                                    ---------          ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period             $11,076             $6,079
                                                    =========          =========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
   Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest                                          $8,845            $12,305
    Income taxes                                        $344             $1,032

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash financing 
   activities:
      Issuance of additional subordinated notes           --               $822




                             See accompanying notes.

                                        5

<PAGE>


                            Journal Register Company
                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                                 March 31, 1998
                                   (Unaudited)



1.    Organization and Basis of Presentation

        Journal Register Company  (together with its consolidated  subsidiaries,
    the "Company" or "JRC") primarily  publishes daily and non-daily  newspapers
    serving  markets in  Connecticut,  Ohio,  Philadelphia  and its  surrounding
    areas,   the  greater  St.  Louis  area,   central  New  England,   and  the
    Capital-Saratoga,  NY  Region  and has  commercial  printing  operations  in
    Connecticut, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

            The  consolidated   interim  financial  statements  included  herein
    include the accounts of JRC and have been  prepared by the Company,  without
    audit, in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles ("GAAP")
    and pursuant to the rules and  regulations  of the  Securities  and Exchange
    Commission  ("SEC").  The consolidated  interim financial  statements do not
    include all the  information  and footnote  disclosure  required by GAAP for
    complete financial  statements.  In the opinion of the Company's management,
    the accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements contain all
    material   adjustments   (consisting  only  of  normal  recurring  accruals)
    necessary to present fairly its financial  position as of March 31, 1998 and
    December 31, 1997 and the results of its  operations  and cash flows for the
    periods ended March 31, 1998 and 1997. These financial  statements should be
    read  in  conjunction  with  the  December  31,  1997  audited  Consolidated
    Financial  Statements and Notes thereto.  The interim  operating results are
    not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year.


2.    Earnings Per Common Share

        Earnings per common share are based upon the weighted  average number of
    shares  outstanding  during the periods  ended March 31, 1998 and 1997.  All
    outstanding stock options are not materially  dilutive for 1998 or 1997. The
    following  table  sets  forth the  computation  of  weighted-average  shares
    outstanding  for calculating  both basic and diluted  earnings per share for
    the quarter ended March 31, 1998:


        Weighted-average shares for basic earnings per share    48,437,500
        Effect of dilutive securities:
           Employee stock options                                  268,838
                                                                ----------
        Adjusted weighted-average shares for diluted 
           earnings per share                                   48,706,338
                                                                ==========

        Pro forma net  income per common  share for the first  quarter  1997 was
    calculated   reflecting  the   37,962,500   shares  which  were  issued  and
    outstanding prior to the Company's initial public offering in May 1997.


3.    FASB Statement No. 130 - Reporting Comprehensive Income

        Financial  Accounting  Standards Board  Statement No. 130,  "Reporting
    Comprehensive  Income" became effective  January 1, 1998,  however,  it is
    not applicable to the Company.





                                        6

<PAGE>

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
        AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


GENERAL

      Journal Register Company's principal business is publishing  newspapers in
the United  States,  where its  publications  are primarily  daily and non-daily
newspapers.   The  Company's   revenues  are  derived  from  advertising,   paid
circulation and commercial printing and other.

      Newspaper  companies  tend to follow a  distinct  and  recurring  seasonal
pattern. The first quarter of the year  (January-March)  tends to be the weakest
quarter because advertising volume is then at its lowest level. Correspondingly,
the fourth quarter  (October-December)  tends to be the strongest  quarter as it
includes heavy holiday season advertising.

      The  first   quarter  of  1998  includes  the  results  of  the  following
acquisitions:  Ladue News,  Ladue,  Missouri,  acquired  December 12, 1997;  The
InterCounty Newspaper Group, Bristol, Pennsylvania,  acquired December 22, 1997;
Housatonic  Publications,  New Milford,  Connecticut  and Minuteman  Newspapers,
Westport,  Connecticut,  acquired January 2, 1998; and The Saratogian,  Saratoga
Springs, New York, acquired March 9, 1998.


THREE  MONTHS  ENDED MARCH 31, 1998  COMPARED TO THREE  MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
1997

      REVENUES.  In the three months ended March 31,  1998,  revenues  increased
$6.6  million,  or 8.0%,  to $89.7  million,  primarily  due to an  increase  in
advertising  revenues  and  commercial  printing  revenues.  Newspaper  revenues
increased $3.8 million,  or 4.8%, to $84.1 million in the first quarter of 1998,
primarily due to acquisitions.  Advertising  revenues increased $3.5 million, or
5.8%, to $63.9  million in the first quarter of 1998,  from $60.4 million in the
first quarter of 1997.  Circulation  revenues  increased  $304,000,  or 1.5%, to
$20.1  million  in the first  quarter of 1998,  from $19.8  million in the first
quarter of 1997.  Commercial printing and other revenues represented 6.2% of the
Company's  revenues  in the first  quarter of 1998,  as  compared to 3.4% in the
first  quarter of 1997.  The  increase  is due to  commercial  printing  revenue
generated  by  companies  acquired as part of the  InterCounty  Newspaper  Group
acquisition in December 1997.

      SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.  Salaries and employee benefits were 34.5%
of the  Company's  revenues in both the first  quarter of 1998 and 1997.  In the
first quarter of 1998, salaries and employee benefits increased $2.2 million, or
7.8%, to $30.9 million, due to acquisitions.

      NEWSPRINT,  INK AND  PRINTING  CHARGES.  In the  first  quarter  of  1998,
newsprint,  ink and printing  charges were 13.3% of the Company's  revenues,  as
compared  to 11.0% in the first  quarter of 1997.  Newsprint,  ink and  printing
charges increased $2.8 million,  or 30.3%, in the first quarter of 1998 to $11.9
million,  primarily  as a result  of a 15.5%  increase  in the  price per ton of
newsprint, and volume increases due to the Company's acquisitions.

      SELLING,    GENERAL   AND   ADMINISTRATIVE.    Selling,     general    and
administrative  expenses  were 9.1% and 9.2% of the  Company's  revenues  in the
first   quarter  of  1998  and  1997,   respectively.   Selling,   general   and
administrative  expenses for the first quarter of 1998  increased  $517,000,  or
6.8%, to $8.2 million, due to acquisitions.

      DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization expenses were
5.5% and 6.5% of the  Company's  revenues in the first quarter of 1998 and 1997,
respectively.  Depreciation and amortization  expenses  decreased  $479,000,  or
8.8%, to $4.9 million in the first quarter of 1998.

      OTHER  EXPENSES.  Other  expenses  were  12.8% and 11.5% of the  Company's
revenues in the first  quarter of 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  Other  expenses
increased $1.9 million,  or 20.0%, to $11.5 million in the first quarter of 1998
primarily due to increased circulation promotional expenses, and postage expense
related to the Company's preprint business.

                                       7
<PAGE>

      OPERATING  INCOME.  Operating  income  decreased  $343,000 or 1.5% for the
first quarter of 1998 to $22.3  million,  primarily due to the 15.5% increase in
the price of newsprint.

      INTEREST  EXPENSE.  Interest expense was $8.7 million in the first quarter
of 1998, a decrease of $4.3  million,  or 32.9% as compared to the first quarter
of 1997.  The  decrease  in  interest  expense  reflects a  decrease  in average
borrowing rates and a $151.3 million decrease in average debt outstanding during
the first quarter of 1998 as compared to the first quarter of 1997.

      PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.  The Company  reported  effective tax rates of
37.06% and 40.72% for the quarters ended March 31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.
This  reduction in the  effective tax rate for first quarter 1998 as compared to
the first  quarter 1997 is the result of the Company's  corporate  restructuring
implemented January 1, 1998.

      NET  INCOME. Net  income was  $8.6  million,  or $.18 per share,  and $5.7
million,  or $.15 per share,  for the  quarters  ended  March 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.

OTHER INFORMATION

      EBITDA(1) in the first quarter of 1998 was $27.2  million,  a  decrease of
2.9% as compared to the first quarter of 1997.  The Company's  EBITDA margin was
30.4% for the first quarter of 1998 as compared to 33.8% in the first quarter of
1997.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      The Company's operations have historically  generated strong positive cash
flow. The Company believes cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund
its operations, capital expenditures and long-term debt obligations. The Company
also  believes that cash flows from  operations  and future  borrowings  and its
ability to issue common stock as  consideration  for future  acquisitions,  will
provide  it  with  the  flexibility  to  fund  its  acquisition  strategy  while
continuing to meet its operating needs,  capital expenditures and long-term debt
obligations.

      CASH FLOWS FROM  OPERATIONS.  Net cash  provided by  operating  activities
increased  $4.9  million to $19.3  million in the first three  months of 1998 as
compared  to the first three  months of 1997.  Net cash  provided  by  operating
activities in 1998 primarily  resulted from net income before non-cash  expenses
(i.e., depreciation and amortization)  of $13.5 million. 

      CASH  FLOWS  FROM  INVESTING  ACTIVITIES.   Net  cash  used  in  investing
activities increased $37.1 million to $38.3 million in the first three months of
1998.  The increase in investing  activities  was primarily due to the Company's
investment in the purchase of newspaper properties. In the first three months of
1998, the Company increased capital  expenditures by $640,000 and had a decrease
of  $333,000 in  proceeds  from the sale of  property,  plant and  equipment  as
compared  to  the  first  three  months  of  1997.  The  Company  has a  capital
expenditure  program  (excluding  future  acquisitions) of  approximately  $12.0
million in place for 1998,  which  includes  spending on  technology,  including
prepress and business systems; computer hardware; other machinery and equipment;
plants and properties;  and vehicles and other assets.  The Company believes its
capital  expenditure  program is  sufficient  to maintain its current  level and
quality of  operations.  The Company  reviews its  capital  expenditure  

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) EBITDA is defined by the  Company as  operating  income  plus  depreciation,
amortization  and other  non-cash  charges.  EBITDA is not intended to represent
cash flows from  operations  and should not be considered as an  alternative  to
operating  or  net  income  computed  in  accordance  with  generally   accepted
accounting  principles  ("GAAP"),  as an  indicator of the  Company's  operating
performance,  as an  alternative  to cash flows from  operating  activities  (as
determined  in accordance  with GAAP) or as a measure of liquidity.  The Company
believes that EBITDA is a standard measure commonly  reported and widely used by
analysts,  investors  and  other  interested  parties  in  the  media  industry.
Accordingly,  this  information  has  been  disclosed  herein  to  permit a more
complete comparative analysis of the Company's operating performance relative to
other companies in the industry.  However,  not all companies  calculate  EBITDA
using the same methods; therefore, the EBITDA figures set forth above may not be
comparable to EBITDA reported by other companies.

                                       8
<PAGE>

program  periodically  and modifies it as required to meet current needs.  It is
expected that the 1998 capital expenditure program will be funded from operating
cash  flow.  The  success  of  the  Company's  operations  in  Philadelphia  and
surrounding  areas may necessitate the construction of a centralized  production
facility  within  the next two  years.  Costs for this  facility  are  currently
estimated to be  approximately  $25.0 million.  The Company expects to fund this
construction project with cash flows from operations and borrowings.

      The Company has  completed an assessment of the effect of year 2000 on its
computer  systems and production  equipment and has determined that it will have
to modify or replace portions of its computer systems. The Company has an action
plan in place. The Company's capital  expenditure  program also includes amounts
necessary to have all of its systems Year 2000 compliant by June 1, 1999.

      CASH FLOWS FROM  FINANCING  ACTIVITIES.  Net cash  provided  by  financing
activities  was $21.9  million in the first three  months of 1998 as compared to
net cash used by financing activities of $15.7 million in the first three months
of 1997.  This  change  of $37.6  million  resulted  primarily  from  additional
borrowings related to the Company's acquisitions.

      In May 1997,  the  Company  consummated  an amended  and  restated  credit
agreement (as amended,  the "Credit Agreement") to amend the terms of the Senior
Facilities.  The Credit  Agreement  provides  for,  among other  things,  $398.0
million of Senior  Secured  Term Loans (the "Term  Loan"),  $235.0  million of a
Senior Secured  Revolving  Credit  Facility ( the "Revolver") and a reduction in
the Applicable Margin (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

      The amounts  outstanding  under the Senior Facilities bear interest at (i)
1-1/2% to 1/2% above the London  Interbank  Offered Rate  ("LIBOR") or (ii) 1/4%
above the higher of the Prime Rate or 1/2% above the  Federal  Funds  Rate.  The
interest  rate spreads are  dependent  upon the debt to 12 months  trailing cash
flow  ratio (as  defined  in the  Credit  Agreement)  and  reduce as such  ratio
declines.  The Term Loan  provides  for  quarterly  repayment  of  principal  as
scheduled in the Credit Agreement.  The Revolver has a step-down of availability
of $40.0 million on each of December 31, 2000,  2001 and 2002.  The final $115.0
million of  availability  expires  and, if  outstanding,  is due on December 31,
2003.

      As of March 31, 1998, the Company had  outstanding  indebtedness,  due and
payable in installments through 2003, of $512.6 million, of which $162.0 million
was  outstanding  under the  Revolver.  There was $73.0  million  of unused  and
available balance under the Revolver at March 31, 1998.

      The Company  generally  manages its exposure to interest rate fluctuations
by entering into interest rate  protection  agreements.  If the Company's  Total
Debt Ratio (as defined in the Credit  Agreement)  is 3.0 to 1.0 or greater,  the
Company is required to have interest rate protection for a minimum of 50% of its
outstanding  balance  under the  Senior  Facilities.  The  Company  has in place
interest rate swap and collar agreements. During the first three months of 1998,
the  Company's  weighted  average  effective  interest  rate on its  outstanding
balance was  approximately  6.8%,  which takes into  account the  interest  rate
protection agreements in effect at that time.

      INFORMATION   RELATING   TO   FORWARD-LOOKING   STATEMENTS.   Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations include
forward-looking  statements,  which may be  identified  by use of terms  such as
"believes,"  "anticipates," "plans," "will," "likely," "continues," "intends" or
"expects",  as well as other similar  terms.  These  forward-looking  statements
relate to the plans and  objectives  of the  Company for future  operations.  In
light of the risks and  uncertainties  inherent in all future  projections,  the
inclusion  of  forward-looking  statements  herein  should not be  regarded as a
representation  by the Company or any other person that the  objectives or plans
of the Company will be achieved.  Many factors could cause the Company's  actual
results  to differ  materially  from  those in the  forward-looking  statements,
including,  among other things:  (i) a decline in general  economic  conditions,
(ii) the unavailability or material increase in the price of newsprint, (iii) an
adverse  judgment in pending or future  litigation,  (iv) increased  competitive
pressure  from current  competitors  and future  market  entrants,  (v) sales of
substantial amounts of the Common Stock in the public markets, or the perception
that such sales could occur,  and (vi) the factors  discussed  in the  Company's
Form 10-K for 1997 in Item 7, Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition  and Results of  Operations  -- Certain  Factors  Which May Affect The
Company's Future  Performance.  The foregoing review of important factors should
not be construed as exhaustive.  The Company undertakes no obligation to release
publicly  the  results of any future  revisions  it may make to  forward-looking
statements  to  reflect  events or  circumstances  after  the date  hereof or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

                                       9
<PAGE>



ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

          Item 3 is not currently applicable to the Company.

                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

          NONE

ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

          NONE

ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

          NONE

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

          NONE

ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION

          NONE

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

          (a)   EXHIBITS
                --------

                27.  Financial Data Schedule

          (b)   REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
                -------------------

                A report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company on January 16,
                1998 pursuant to Item 5 thereof  reporting the  resignation   of
                one of the Company's executive officers.


                                    SIGNATURE

      Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

      Date: May 14, 1998                  JOURNAL REGISTER COMPANY


                                          By:   /s/  Jean B. Clifton
                                                --------------------------------

                                                Jean B. Clifton
                                                Executive Vice President, Chief
                                                Financial Officer & Treasurer 
                                                (signing on behalf of the 
                                                registrant and as principal 
                                                financial officer)

                                       10
<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------

  27.                 Financial Data Schedule