The Launceston Examiner has not been able to print a copy of the newspaper for the first time in 180 years.

There will be no physical copies of the paper today after a major breakdown of the printing press in the city.

The press at Rocherlea suffered a major mechanical issue just after midnight that could not be repaired.

Circulation account manager Darren Simmonds said it was unusual to miss printing a newspaper.

"I can tell you I've been working for The Examiner for 31 years and it certainly hasn't happened in that time," he said.

"We've had some late papers and whatever else, but we've always actually got the papers to the street, if you like.

Press off the air

Mr Simmonds hoped the problem would be fixed in time for the next issue.

"I know that they'll be working on resolving the issue and getting it fixed so we can print tomorrow," he said.

Print site manager Shane Brooks said a faulty air compressor was the cause, and that a back-up compressor also failed.

"All of the equipment out there is operated by air … you need air to run the press," he said.

"You got no air, you haven't got anything.

"We've got a hire back-up one in place for the next couple of weeks until we've got that all sorted out.

'Extremely unusual' 

The printing press had been able to print the Financial Review, The Age and The Advocate before problems struck.

Later in the morning, printing resumed with copies of the real estate guide rolling off the press.

In an online message to readers, Australian Community Media (ACM), the publisher of The Examiner, apologised for the inconvenience.

ACM editorial director Rod Quinn said the situation was beyond anyone's control.

"It is extremely unusual for us to miss printing a newspaper," he said.

"Our crew made every effort get the press running, but unfortunately it could not be fixed.

"We know how much our readers and advertisers rely on The Examiner and we are sorry that it is not available for delivery this morning.