Local groups publish newsletters because SCA policy requires them to do so. A fixed record sent to a list of subscribers is what policy requires (or did, as of two years ago when I was doing it). The PDF by email satisfies the requirements (provided you make a few paper copies available to a defined list of a few) without the printing and postage costs of a paper newsletter. I don't think anyone is under the illusion that it's a useful communications medium, these days.