The local MLA was speaking after management gathered staff on Tuesday afternoon to announce the paper would close with immediate effect.
Stewart Dickson MLA said: “This is devastating news for the nine staff of the Carrick Advertiser and for the town which has lost a vital and well-respected resource.
“Established in 1883, the Advertiser was the town’s oldest newspaper and would regularly break news and reports from across the Borough.
“The Advertiser staff have worked hard over the years; always creating a welcoming atmosphere in their office. It is therefore important that they be treated respectfully by management, and my top priority will be to ensure that they are treated fairly in the coming days.
“However, this decision is evidence of a wider problem in local newspapers across Northern Ireland and action must be taken to ensure more local titles do not fold.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the editor, David Hall, and his splendid team for their hard work and dedication over many years. The Carrickfergus Advertiser will be sadly missed by residents in the town.”